U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Athens and signed off on a landmark defense agreement that includes $4 billi...

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Athens and signed off on a landmark defense agreement that includes $4 billion in weapons procurement for Greece, covering F-35 and F-16 fighter jets. Rubio described the U.S.-Greece relationship as a model partnership, citing cooperation across defense, energy, and technology. He also praised Greece's role in securing Europe's borders against illegal migration, calling it a shared strategic priority between the two countries. The two sides reached what officials described as a "common understanding" covering several key areas. Full U.S. support was extended to Greece's energy plans in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region where American and Greek interests have increasingly aligned against Turkish and Russian influence. The $4 billion arms package is one of the largest defense commitments the U.S. has made to Greece in recent years. Greece has been pushing to acquire F-35 stealth fighters to modernize its air force, a move that would significantly shift the military balance in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. Rubio's visit comes as Greece continues to expand its defense partnerships and military spending, with NATO obligations and regional tensions driving procurement decisions. The inclusion of F-16 upgrades alongside the F-35 acquisition suggests a phased modernization approach for the Hellenic Air Force. Energy cooperation was also a central pillar of the discussions. Greece has positioned itself as a key hub for LNG supply routes into Europe, and Washington has backed Athens' ambitions in this space as part of broader efforts to reduce European dependence on Russian gas. #Greece #USGreece #HellenicAirForce