Greece is categorically opposed to Turkey's potential acquisition of "Meteor" missiles along with "Eurofighter" fighters. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias even demanded an explanation from the French ambassador in Athens, reports the Kathimerini newspaper, quoted by News.bg.
Dendias' meeting with French ambassador Laurence Auer took place amid growing concerns in Athens about the potential sale of "Meteor" missiles to Turkey.
The potential deal for 40 "Eurofighter" fighters equipped with "Meteor" missiles has strained relations between Britain, France and Greece. According to the French newspaper La Tribune, Ankara has set a condition that the "Eurofighter Typhoon" it acquired be equipped with these missiles.
Paris has the right to veto the sale of "Meteor", which were jointly developed by six European countries: Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden.
During the meeting, which was coordinated with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, Dendias requested official clarifications on the reported deal.
"I conveyed to the French ambassador Greece's categorical disagreement with such a prospect, which is incompatible with the excellent strategic relations that our two countries have enjoyed until now," Dendias wrote in X.
The diplomatic tension arises despite the strong defense partnership between Athens and Paris. Under a mutual defense agreement signed in September 2021, the two countries pledged military support if either country was attacked by a third party.
The pact led to significant arms deals, including Greece's purchase of 24 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation, as well as French frigates.
The Meteor's advanced capabilities make it particularly effective against high-value targets such as tanker aircraft and early warning aircraft operating behind the front line.
Turkey plans to integrate these missiles into its future fleet of Eurofighter Typhoons, while developing a local alternative, the Gökhan, in parallel.
In a television interview on Wednesday, Mitsotakis said he had not been informed of France's decision to deliver the Meteor. of Turkey.