New Delhi: US President Donald Trump frequently makes headlines for various reasons. However, a potential new proposal from him is expected to raise concerns for several nations, including India. Donald Trump may offer to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed strong opposition to this move. Friendly nations like Greece and Cyprus are also concerned. The Israeli PM has issued a warning regarding this potential deal, noting that it could significantly alter the strategic landscape of the Middle East.
What did Netanyahu say?
In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a significant statement. He revealed that he had personally urged US President Donald Trump not to approve this sale.
Donald Trump has indicated that he is considering lifting the harsh sanctions imposed on Turkey during his first term. Meanwhile, this potential deal has also heightened anxiety in Greece. Notably, US President Donald Trump is currently in Ankara, Turkey, for a NATO meeting, where he has met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Has this potential offer to Turkey caused alarm in Greece?
Did you know that Greece is also set to receive F-35 fighter jets? Deliveries of this fifth-generation aircraft are scheduled to begin after 2028, and the stealth jet is slated to become a cornerstone of Greece’s future air force. However, if Turkey also acquires the F-35, it would deal a major blow to Greece.
Vasilis Nedos, a diplomatic and defence correspondent for the leading Greek newspaper Kathimerini, stated in a Jerusalem Post report that the Hellenic Air Force aims to maintain air superiority over the Aegean Sea. At the same time, the prospect of Turkey acquiring F-35s is certainly not being viewed favourably.
Greece has expressed concerns to the US.
It is worth noting that Greek officials have not made any public comments regarding the potential F-35 deal. Nedos stated that Athens has consistently conveyed its concerns to the US administration.
He said, “The US government is well aware of the Greek government’s position. Greece cannot directly intervene; this is essentially a matter between two sovereign nations—the US and Turkey. Greece has, of course, expressed its concerns.
How will India’s concerns grow?
It is worth noting that Turkey’s acquisition of F-35 fighter jets is likely to increase anxiety in Delhi, primarily because Turkey is considered a close ally of Pakistan. Turkey is also developing its own stealth fighter jet. While this does not pose a direct threat to India, the US proceeding with the F-35 deal with Turkey signals a shift in American policy. According to reports, India might sell its missiles to Greece; such a move could further escalate tensions between Greece and Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean.
