In order to meet the interim fighter jet requirement of the Turkish Air Force (TurAF), until the first squadron of indigenously developed KAAN National Combat Aircraft becomes fully operational in mid 2030s, both the F-16 Block 70 Procurement and F-16V Modernization Project, and Eurofighter Typhoon Procurement Project, dedicated for air superiority role, were initiated to bolster TurAF and enhance its air superiority capability, a move largely driven by the need to counter Greek Air Force’s Dassault Rafale F3R fleet and F-35As order, which will allow Greek Air Force to maintain a technological edge over TurAF. 

Greece has already received 18 Dassault Rafale F3R aircraft, and another 6 aircraft were lated added. Greek Air Force plans to form two full squadrons of Rafales, totaling 36 aircraft. On the other hand, Greece has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) in July 2024 for the purchase of initial batch of 20 F-35As at a cost of around $3,5 Billion. The LOA also includes an option for 20 additional aircraft, which would bring the total value of the deal up to around $8,6 Billion, according to the Greek Ministry of Defense. The jets will be delivered starting in 2028. The F-35As will provide the Greek Air Force with advanced strike and surveillance capabilities.