24.07.2025 15:55
Following Turkey's signing of a preliminary agreement with the UK for Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made statements that drew criticism. Mitsotakis suggested that Turkey could use the fighter jets against Greece in the Aegean and announced that they would attempt to block Turkey's access to European Union defense funds.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made controversial statements following the signing of the preliminary agreement for Eurofighter Typhoon with Turkey. Mitsotakis announced that he would try to prevent Turkey's access to the European Union defense fund and requested assurances that the fighter jets would not be used against Greece.
The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) announced on July 23 that a preliminary agreement for Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets was signed as part of IDEF 2025. The agreement was made between National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and UK Defense Minister John Healey. The MSB stated, "The defense ministers have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding. This document brings us one step closer to a comprehensive agreement."
ISRAEL AND GREECE IN SHOCK
Following the widespread coverage of the agreement in the global press, strong reactions came in succession from Greece and Israel. In Israel, opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu for failing to block the agreement, while Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis targeted Turkey.
"WE WILL BLOCK ACCESS TO FUNDS" THREAT
According to AFP, Mitsotakis stated that he would take action at the EU level against the possibility of Turkey using the Eurofighters against Greece in the Aegean. While Turkey technically has access to defense funds under the European Security Action Plan (SAFE) amounting to 150 billion euros, Mitsotakis expressed that he would obstruct this process. Speaking to Skai TV, the Greek leader said, "Unanimity of all member states is required for Turkey to access EU defense funds. Greece will not allow this."
"WE MAY HAVE CONDITIONS," HE SAID, BUT...
Mitsotakis also acknowledged that he could not directly intervene in Turkey's Eurofighter acquisition, stating, "Turkey is a strong, large country with a powerful defense industry. If anyone thinks they can prevent Turkey from purchasing any defense equipment, they are very ignorant." However, Mitsotakis claimed that they could propose certain conditions and stated that they would inform their European partners about the delivery process of the aircraft, potential areas of use, and technical support.
GERMANY APPROVAL RECEIVED IN THE EUEROFIGHTER PROCESS
The German government also officially approved the agreement regarding the sale to Turkey. The Eurofighter consortium, which includes the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, announced that negotiations for Turkey's acquisition of 40 fighter jets are ongoing.
ANKARA REITERATED ITS WARNINGS ON TENSIONS IN THE AEGEAN
On the other hand, Turkey has long been maintaining its diplomatic warnings against Greece's unilateral moves to expand its territorial waters in the Aegean Sea. Mitsotakis' remarks have once again brought the sensitive balances in the region to the forefront.