Over the next week (unexpectedly on March 22), the final meeting will take place in Ministry of Defencewhere it will be decided whether Athens will offer Manufacturer F-35 (Lockheed Martin) expect in your response (most likely by 1 April) the inclusion of security, supply and information (SSI) and infrastructure programs with the participation of the Greek defense industry. What these programs might be is still being discussed in the triangle between GEA, the General Directorate of Defense Equipment and Investment (GDAEE) and Lockheed Martin. Efforts have been made by GEETHA and GEA to keep costs as low as possible. The adoption of SSI by Athens will also solve the issue of infrastructure that will receive the F-35 in 2027-2028. Otherwise, if the Air Force (Air Force) takes the necessary procedures without SSI, it will be difficult to get the aircraft in 2027-2028.

The SSI issue is of great importance to the (US) Pentagon as it is the most common way to transfer know-how, which in the case of the F-35 is cyber and network security. It is recalled that the possibility that these characteristics would be compromised by the system of a third country (S-400) led Turkey to withdraw from the program without delay.

The details of the Greek proposal were discussed at a broad meeting held last Thursday (March 16) at the Ministry of National Defense between the Greek and American delegations. According to well-informed sources, from the American side it was presented approximately what can be given to the domestic military-industrial complex. At this stage in the negotiations, it appears that after intense pressure from GEETHA and GEA, the SSI amount has been reduced to less than $500 million. And there is an attempt to get guarantees from the American side that another $500 million will be added to them in projects that the domestic defense industry will undertake.

A meeting is coming up to decide whether Lockheed Martin should be asked to include security and infrastructure programs involving the Greek defense industry.

ODA

It is clear that these projects will primarily include work to be performed by the Hellenic Aviation Industry (HAI). It remains to be seen whether the ODA will somehow fit into the global F-35 construction project. At the same time, guarantees are expected from the American side that Lockheed Martin will continue to produce some world-class F-16 parts under the ODA. It is worth noting that Lockheed Martin does not currently have a long-term commitment to global production of the F-16. While there is already enough pressure from countries that have either already purchased F-35s or are expecting to receive the first ones in order to carry out similar sub-construction work. Greece, if the program goes well, will be the 17th country to receive the F-35 in 2027-2028.

In the next ten days, in fact, Athens must fundamentally answer whether they want SSI or not. Immediately after this, the American response (LOA – Letter of Acceptance) will follow, which will begin official negotiations between Athens and Washington, which will eventually lead to the conclusion of a contract for the supply of the first 20 F-35s (remember that there is an option for another 20).

Possible meeting with Akar

On Friday, National Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos confirmed to K last Friday (October 3) about his possible upcoming meeting with his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar. In an interview with SKAI radio, Mr. Panayiotopoulos noted: “The invitation was extended, at least from the Turkish side. Now, indeed, as we go deeper into the pre-election periods of each, each country, the difference will be narrower, but I would not rule out meeting with Akar, and if I had to bet on it, this would most likely happen. in Turkey. earthquake victims. Regarding the reduction of tension in the Aegean, Mr. Panagiotopoulos noted that “of course there is a change in behavior, I don’t know if it will be permanent and stable, I have some reservations.”