The Turkish media do not hide their irritation over the delivery of the two modern F-16s to Greece, speaking of “US intervention against Turkey”.
Reflecting the annoyance that prevails within the Turkish government about the defense “block” from Washington, newspapers and television networks today refer extensively to the delivery of the two advanced fighters to Greece.
“While the US is obstructing Turkey, even in the delivery of spare parts, it has already delivered two F-16s (s.b. in Athens) and will deliver another 81,” writes the Milliyet newspaper.
“After the crises with Greece, came the US intervention against Turkey. They are modernizing 83 Greek F-16s and are already delivering two.”
“Greece received two F-16s, which were modernized with US support”.
As announced by the American company Lockheed Martin, which in collaboration with the Hellenic Aviation Industry (EAB) jointly delivered the first two F-16 Viper fighters to the Air Force yesterday:
“The aircraft enable the Air Force to successfully address emerging threats in the region and operate as part of allied missions worldwide.”
In particular, the main systems being upgraded as part of the program include the following:
F-16 upgrades are carried out at ODA under close technical guidance from Lockheed Martin teams.
The ODA staff working on the F-16 Viper program consists of a core group of more than 21 experienced employees, while dozens of new employees have been hired and trained so far during four different phases.
The upgrades of F-16s to Vipers, the statement added, have brought jobs and investments to Greece.
Specifically, Lockheed Martin’s programs have led to more than 350 new ODA hires by 2021, more than have been made in an entire decade.
