Greek F-35s Possibly Built Both in the U.S. and Italy, First Deliveries in 2028 | Aviation

Lockheed Martin says work is on schedule to deliver the first F-35s to Greece in 2028, with the first eight aircraft expected to be built in the United States and the rest assembled in Italy.

New details are emerging about the acquisition of the F-35 Lightning II by Greece, following an interview by Greek newspaper Kathimerini to Lockheed Martin’s Vice President of F-35 Business Development J.R. McDonald. As we reported, Greece signed a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for the procurement of 20 F-35s on July 25, 2024.

Greece became the 19th country to acquire the 5th gen fighter jet, followed by Romania whose request was approved earlier this month. According to the new details, the U.S. government is expected to proceed with the implementation of the procurement contract for the Greek aircraft by October.

“With the signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance by the Greek government in July, negotiations for the interstate agreement have begun,” said McDonald. “The next steps include the conclusion of a US government contract with Lockheed Martin for the production and delivery of Greece’s F-35s.”

The Hellenic Air Force aims to field a first squadron of 20 aircraft and, after 2030, exercise the option included in the LOA for 20 additional…