Blinken notified the Greek PM of proposed arms F-35 sales, paired with various items of military aid, including up to $200 million in extra US military financing for Greece to enable Greek arms provisions to Ukraine.
In a letter sent to Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis on 27 January, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken outlined the steps to expand cooperation between Athens and Washington in the security field, according to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini. Blinken indicates openness to boosting US military aid to Greece to help enable Greek arms transfers to Ukraine.
The US proposes six key measures to enhance defense collaboration with Greece, including a potential sale of 40 F-35 jets and three Protector-class ships. The other five points include military aid for Greece, two of which are Ukraine-related:
- $30 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) aid to encourage Greece to provide aid to Ukraine.
- Proposed Excess Defense Articles (EDA) transfers to Greece pending Congressional notification:
- 2 C-130H aircraft;
- 10 P-3 aircraft engines;
- 60 Bradley fighting vehicles.
- Proposal to provide up to four frigates to Greece as Excess Defense Articles requiring Congressional authorization.
- Potential for $200 million in additional Foreign Military Financing to facilitate Greek arms transfers to Ukraine.
- Prioritization of Greece to receive MRAP vehicles and potentially KC-135 tankers as Excess Defense Articles.
Regarding the $200 million offer to facilitate Greece to send its equipment to Ukraine, Blinken’s letter reportedly says:
Voice of Ukraine 