The “jurisdictions” he threatens Recep Tayyip Erdogan Greece could turn into a disorderly retreat, PM stressed yesterday Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who visited the ODA facilities in Tanagra on the occasion of receiving the fifth upgraded F-16 Viper from Lockheed Martin. Mr. Mitsotakis took the opportunity to respond to the Turkish president’s recent outbursts, but he also mentioned programs to strengthen the Air Force (PA) in a way that would make Greece powerful over the Aegean.

Mr. Mitsotakis’ statements were also recorded amid increasing violations, 11 of which resulted in virtual brawls. In particular, Mr. Mitsotakis noted that “those who preach that they can come one night suddenly realize that one night they can wake up and land in harsh reality.” And he added that “the more they raise their voice, the more they will significantly reduce their credibility. And each of their ‘juries’ could be an indiscriminate retreat before the triangle of international law, our prosperous Armed Forces, and our strong alliances.” The prime minister added that “our country does not engage in dialogue with the absurd.”

“Each of their ‘juries’ could be a disorderly retreat before the triangle of international law, our flourishing military and our strong alliances,” Mr. Mitsotakis said.

From Tanagra, the Prime Minister also highlighted the common efforts to strengthen the PA. He mentioned, in particular, a program to upgrade 83 F-16s to the Viper configuration and upgrade 38 F-16 Block 50s, the delivery of new Rafale fighters and a future agreement to acquire an F-35 squadron. Mr. Mitsotakis also mentioned EAB’s collaboration with Lockheed Martin. “ODA’s top priority is the F-16 upgrade as well as the completion of the P-3 Orion program and the maintenance of our C-130s and firefighting aircraft,” Mr. Mitsotakis noted, adding that ODA “with 700 new hires now has 2,000 highly trained employees and a new collective labor agreement”. In addition, he did not fail to mention the process of finding a strategic investor, emphasizing that “the majority share of EAB will always remain with the Greek state.”

It is worth noting that during 2023, the ODA has pledged to deliver 15 more upgraded F-16 Vipers. If we add to this the original, which is located at the Edwards base in the USA, then P.A. by the end of the year it will have a total of 20 of these aircraft with capabilities that will make them fully compatible with the F-35.