Greece is getting closer and closer to becoming the next country to acquire the world's most advanced fighter aircraft, foreign media report.
Athens is in the final stage of purchasing dozens of F-35 Lighting II stealth fighter jets, with the process "locked down" according to reliable sources.
The issue now is the US A-10 aircraft which are surplus looking for a user in allied countries
According to the US defence news agency Defence News, "the A-10 aircraft can still offer much good if transferred to allies and partners who need it."
The most obvious example is Ukraine, which is preparing to carry out a counterattack against Soviet-era tanks and entrenched Russian positions.
Beyond Ukraine, potential beneficiaries of an A-10 transfer program include African countries in the Sahel fighting ISIS and Boko Haram or even Latin American nations fighting paramilitary rebels and drug cartels in the jungle," says U.S. expert Marco Rubio.
This shows the Turkish mechanized and armored brigades in Evros, but also the Turkish Marine Brigade, the airborne and mechanized-armored forces following the first landing waves of Turkish forces that will "descend" on our islands to occupy them, as well as the numerous Turkish UAVs, UCAVs.
As we understand any acquisition of even a single digit number of A-10s by Greece would sharply upgrade our deterrent power in Evros and the islands, being the fear and terror of Turkish ground forces and Turkish drones.
The mission of the A-10 is such as providing massed close air support fire against enemy TOMAs, TOBs, tanks and enemy ground forces.
Our country should seize the opportunity at this stage and acquire American weapons systems which are being withdrawn by the superpower to enhance its deterrent capability.
Designed to carry the 30 mm GAU-8 Avenger Gatling gun, capable of firing up to 3,900 rounds per minute and demonstrating very high manoeuvrability at low speed and low altitude, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or Warthog attack aircraft is an aircraft with a mission to destroy enemy armour.
After years of postponements, Congress finally approved the U.S. Air Force's plan to retire the A-10 Thunderbolt.
This is a sound move, according to experts, as the A-10 is no longer suitable for America's geostrategic needs.
"However, we should not simply discard this venerable aircraft, but put it in the hands of our international partners so that it can continue to advance our national interest," says Marco Rubio.
The A-10 aircraft was designed in the 1970s to provide close air support to US ground troops.
At the time it was an effective counterweight to the threat of Soviet tanks, and in the decades since it has served the military faithfully.
The A-10 proved particularly useful in the Gulf War, when it flew 8,100 sorties and destroyed thousands of Soviet-era combat vehicles and equipment.
Later, it helped the U.S. destroy hard enemy positions in the war on terror.
"But the big military operations in the Middle East are over, and today, our biggest adversary is communist China, whose tanks and facilities are far more advanced than those used by the Soviets or Islamic terrorists," he stresses.
This is a huge opportunity for our country, which could procure these aircraft with special funds, meeting needs in key areas.
The fact that the US intends to keep them in its arsenal even as a stockpile for the next 5-6 years will also ensure a flow of spare parts to our country for the next few years in case of their acquisition.
It should also be noted that any acquisition of the A-10 by our country will result in the disengagement of our Air Force fighter aircraft in roles providing close air support to our ground forces, which will have multiple benefits in terms of ensuring and maintaining our air superiority in the Aegean, Thrace and Eastern Mediterranean, which is extremely valuable for the final outcome of operations.
