Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has asked French Ambassador Laurence Auer for an official explanation regarding reports that a French-backed consortium plans to sell Meteor air-to-air missiles to Turkey. In a statement on X, Dendias said such a sale would contradict the strong strategic ties between Greece and France.
The Meteor missile, developed by European defense company MBDA, requires approval from all six participating nations—France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden—before being sold. Reports indicate Turkey wants to equip its planned purchase of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets with Meteor missiles. La Tribune reported that the sale of Eurofighters to Turkey might depend on approval for the Meteor missile deal.
Greece, which has recently upgraded its air force with 24 French Rafale jets and plans to acquire F-35s, strongly opposes Turkey gaining access to Meteor missiles, fearing it could shift the regional air power balance.
Greece and France signed a defense pact in 2021, which includes mutual defense commitments and consultations on security matters. France has supplied Greece with Rafale jets and naval frigates as part of its military modernization efforts.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated in a recent interview that he had no official information about the reported sale. Greek officials are now seeking further clarification from France and other European partners.
