Story perspectives

Rubio Announces Greece’s 20 F-35 Purchase, Training in 2027

By Drooid · Oct 7, 2026, 3:57 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Greece to discuss regional and energy security.
Rubio met Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis in Athens.
He highlighted U.S. energy projects, noting Chevron and ExxonMobil-led consortia will begin drilling in 2027.
Rubio announced Greece will purchase 20 F-35 warplanes, with pilot training slated for 2027.
Over 2,000 demonstrators protested his visit and the war in Iran in central Athens.

History

Historical Context

In 2004, the United States and Greece signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement, granting U.S. forces access to bases and deepening strategic ties. The pact, negotiated by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, earmarked $1.5 billion for infrastructure upgrades and joint exercises. That framework mirrors today’s talks, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis to expand energy projects and purchase F-35 jets. The precedent indicates expanded U.S. military presence and energy collaboration will likely cement Greece’s role in regional security and market dynamics for years ahead.

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Story summary

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Greece to discuss regional and energy security.
Rubio met Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis in Athens.
He highlighted U.S. energy projects, noting Chevron and ExxonMobil-led consortia will begin drilling in 2027.
Rubio announced Greece will purchase 20 F-35 warplanes, with pilot training slated for 2027.
Over 2,000 demonstrators protested his visit and the war in Iran in central Athens.

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