The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, concluded his official visit to Greece with the announcement of a $4 billion defense agreement. The deal includes advanced weaponry, upgrades to F-16 fighter jets, and the deployment of armored Stryker vehicles to Greek military bases. The agreement was signed during a joint press conference in Athens, following a series of bilateral meetings between US and Greek officials.
Rubio emphasized the strategic importance of Greece as a NATO ally and a key partner in regional security. During his visit, he also highlighted the strengthening of transatlantic ties and the need for a unified European defense strategy. Greek officials praised the agreement as a significant step toward enhancing military cooperation and ensuring stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
This visit marks the second major diplomatic engagement between the US and Greece in less than a month. Earlier, Rubio had met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss economic and security issues. The defense pact is part of broader efforts to bolster NATO’s eastern flank and counter emerging security threats. The agreement also includes provisions for joint military exercises and intelligence sharing.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Greece and Turkey engaged in a maritime dispute over exclusive economic zones. US support for Greece has been a consistent policy under the current administration, reinforcing the country’s role as a strategic partner in the Mediterranean. The $4 billion package is expected to be disbursed over the next five years, with initial funding allocated for the procurement of military equipment.
