Gilfoyle Shares Video of Dendias Boasting Greece’s Air Force
U.S. Ambassador to Athens Kimberly Guilfoyle reposted a video of Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias on her personal X account, in which Dendias declares Greece is building one of the most powerful air forces on the planet.
In the video, Dendias outlines Greece's military aviation buildup in concrete terms. He says Greece is upgrading its F-16s to the Viper standard, already operates Rafale jets, and expects to receive its first F-35 by late 2027 or early 2028. He called the F-35 the most advanced aircraft in the history of the planet.
Dendias said Greece will have a fleet of 200 state-of-the-art fighters, placing it among the strongest air forces in Europe and globally. The ambassador's decision to reshare the statement signals strong U.S. alignment with Greece's defense posture, which has been expanding steadily as tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean remain high.
Greece has been one of the most active NATO members in modernizing its air capabilities, according to recent defense reports. The F-35 acquisition, backed by Washington, marks a significant step in that process. The pairing of the Viper-upgraded F-16s, Rafales, and incoming F-35s would give Greece a three-platform fighter fleet few European nations can match.
Guilfoyle, who was confirmed as ambassador in 2025, has been vocal in her support for the U.S.-Greece strategic partnership since taking her post. Her repost amplifies Dendias's message to an international audience at a time when regional defense cooperation is under close watch.
