Greece signs deal to buy 20 US-made F-35 jets in major military overhaul

Greece formally approved an offer to buy 20 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters from the United States as part of a major defense overhaul, government officials said Thursday.

Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said while visiting a military air base near Athens that the purchase would create "a powerful deterrent presence in our region." A letter of acceptance for the deal has been signed and sent to the US, he said.

Delivery of the fifth-generation jet made by Lockheed Martin is expected to start in 2028, while Greece maintains the option to purchase 20 additional F-35 jets as part of an $8.6 billion deal.

The purchase of the first 20 jets along with additional support will cost some $3.5 billion, Greek officials said.

Greece is overhauling its military in a decade-long program following a protracted financial crisis and continued tension with neighbor and NATO...