Aviation

Greece proceeds with purchase of 20 Lockheed F-35 fighter jets

According to the country’s prime minister, Greece has issued a formal request to the United States to buy 20 F-35 fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin. Greece spends more than 2% of its gross domestic product on defence. As a result, Greece has formally requested that the United States sell it .20 F-35 fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin. As tensions with its neighbour, historic rival and NATO ally Turkey, have reemerged in recent years, it has increased its military expenditure.

Greece Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a second order for the jets is being considered that “The purchase of an F-35 squadron with a second squadron potentially available is what we intend to do. As a part of this procedure, a Letter of Request (LoR) has been sent recently “After a NATO conference, Mitsotakis spoke the media. The first step in a multi-stage procedure is to submit a request, according to Mitsotakis, who also stated that the government planned the delivery of the jets to start in 2027–2028.

Greece and Turkey have been at conflict for decades over a number of issues, including overflights in the Aegean, the size of their continental shelf and maritime boundaries, energy resources, and the ethnically divided island of Cyprus. During a trip to the United States in May, Mitsotakis first referred to the purchase of F-35 aircraft. Last year, Athens placed orders for three French military frigates with an option for a fourth one, as well as 24 Dassault-built Rafale planes, totaling 2.5 billion euros ($2.60 billion).

State television station ERT reports that the military ministry reportedly intends to upgrade 38 F-16 fighter aircraft.

A day after Turkey dropped its objection to Finland and Sweden joining NATO, the United States endorsed the potential supply of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey on Wednesday, arguing that Turkey’s robust defence capabilities would reinforce NATO’s defences.

Aviation

Egypt has signed an agreement with China to purchase J-10C fighter jets

Egypt has become the second country, after Pakistan, to order China’s Chengdu J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets, marking a significant shift in its military strategy.

The announcement, made during the inaugural Egypt International Air Show from September 3 to 5 at El Alamein International Airport, reveals Egypt’s intent to replace its aging fleet of U.S. F-16s.

The J-10C, a highly capable 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet, was showcased by China for the first time on African soil during the air show. It features advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, making it a formidable alternative to Egypt’s current fleet.

Known for its air superiority missions, the J-10C has often been compared to the American F-16, which has been the backbone of the Egyptian Air Force since the 1980s.

However, with Egypt’s F-16s now considered outdated against modern air defense systems, the decision to transition to the Chinese fighters underscores a major upgrade in Egypt’s combat capabilities.

This move not only signals Egypt’s intent to reduce its reliance on U.S. defense systems but also reflects a broader shift in its international alliances.

Despite a long-standing defense relationship with the U.S., evidenced by a recent acquisition of C-130J Hercules transport aircraft through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, Egypt is clearly looking eastward.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over U.S. policies in the Middle East, including its stance on Israeli operations in Gaza, which may have influenced Cairo’s pivot to Chinese military technology.

China’s increasing presence in the Middle East and North Africa is bolstered by such deals, as Beijing continues to expand its influence through military cooperation and economic partnerships, particularly in energy imports.

The Egypt International Air Show provided a platform for showcasing this growing military-industrial relationship.