The Hellenic Air Force is starting early pilot and technician training for the F-35 fighter jets it will add to its inventory. According to the Greek-based Kathimerini newspaper, training for the first F-35 pilots is planned to begin in September, while 14 pilots and 60 technicians will go to the US for training this summer.
Early Start Education Program
The first Greek F-35 fighter jets are not expected to arrive at Andravida Air Base before the beginning of the next decade. However, considering the complexity and length of the program, it is strategic to start training early. Since the F-35 does not have a two-seat configuration, pilots must complete at least 192 hours of extensive simulator training before their first flight. This training will take place at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.
Technicians will work on digital models and mock-ups before moving on to practical training, where they will complete their theoretical preparations at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. This phased training plan aims to best prepare Greek personnel for the F-35’s advanced technological systems.
Joint Program Office Participation and Delivery Process
The report also states that Greek Air Force officials will soon travel to Washington to join the Joint Program Office (JPO), which oversees the F-35’s international partners. The purpose of this visit will be to closely monitor the progress of the program and coordinate details regarding the delivery, logistical support and integration of the 20 aircraft that Greece will supply into existing systems. The sources confirm that the program is currently progressing as planned and that a contract is expected to be signed between the US government and the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, soon, which will officially start the production process.
Türkiye's Possible F-35 Procurement Worries Athens
Conflicting signals from the US recently regarding Türkiye’s potential return to the F-35 fighter jet program have created a new wave of concern in Greece. Until recently, Greek media argued that US policy was based on preserving Greece’s technological superiority with the F-35 as a counterweight to Türkiye’s numerical air power advantage. However, the possibility of Türkiye rejoining the program has caused unease in Athens.
In the report, which Kathimerini based on “well-informed” sources, it was reported that the concept of “balance” in defense relations had come up in the recent US-Greece talks. In this context, it was claimed that the Pentagon no longer viewed Türkiye’s re-entry into the F-35 program as a threat to the military balance in the Aegean and left the door open to possible future developments.
In response to Greece’s concerns, the US reportedly referred to previous talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, where it was reported that hopes for a reduction in US arms sales to Türkiye, including F-35s, had faded. This situation appeared to further increase Athens’ concerns about the military balance in the region.
