Greece has signed a contract to acquire 20 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter. The Letter of Offer and Acceptance (Loa) also includes an option to buy and sell an additional 20 planes of the same model. Athens thus becomes the 19th nation to join the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Deliveries will begin in 2028 and are expected to conclude between late 2029 and early 2030.

"We are thrilled to welcome Greece to the F-35 program. The F-35 will provide exceptional capabilities to the Greek Air Force, foster interoperability among our allies and strengthen the combat effectiveness of all of NATO", explained U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, director and Program Executive Officer of the F-35 Joint Program Office.

It was echoed by Bridget Lauderdale, vice president of Lockheed Martin and general manager of the F-35 program: "The Greek Air Force has been our partner for several decades, and it is an honor for us to continue this relationship, with Greece becoming the nineteenth nation to join the F-35 program". This "is the only fighter aircraft capable of strengthening Greece's sovereignty and its ability to operate with allies".