The contract for the infrastructure required at the 117th Combat Wing in Andravida, where the F-35 fighter jets will be based, is expected to be signed in early 2027, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias has said in response to a parliamentary question from PASOK MP Michalis Katrinis.

The implementation timetable, Mr Dendias said, “is being determined in cooperation with the relevant US authorities”. He added that, so far, there had been “a positive response to the expression of interest from the invited economic operators, who were briefed on the project’s main technical and financial parameters”.

The contractor will be selected to undertake both the design and construction of all the required infrastructure. However, Mr Dendias clarified that the detailed timetable and the programme’s individual milestones “cannot be disclosed due to the programme’s classified status”.

In his parliamentary question, submitted on 21 July, Mr Katrinis had requested a timetable, information on potential risks, compensatory projects, and a housing and staffing plan.

According to Mr Dendias’s response, no technical, administrative or financial risks that could affect the completion of the works have been identified “at present”.

Funding arrangements

The construction of the infrastructure is a public works project funded through national budget allocations. The minister clarified that “no compensatory projects are planned”.

However, the area is expected to benefit both during the construction period and once the new squadron becomes operational, with a “significant increase” in economic activity anticipated.

“Staffing the 117th Combat Wing is an ongoing process”

Staffing the 117th Combat Wing (117 CW) is described as a “dynamic process”, shaped by operational requirements and the needs of the programme. Both its qualitative and quantitative aspects are classified.

Planning for the initial training programmes in the United States is expected to be completed within 2027. The number of personnel to receive training will be determined on that basis.

To meet the Combat Wing’s housing requirements, the Ministry has 160 accommodation units for unmarried personnel and 48 for married service personnel. At this stage, accommodation has been provided to all personnel who have requested it. A further 17 units remain vacant.

Meanwhile, plans for new housing and the maintenance of existing infrastructure are “under way”.