The United States is replacing Turkey with Greece as its primary anchor in the Eastern Mediterranean. Under the Trump administration, Washington has accelerated military upgrades and energy projects in Greece while reducing dependence on Turkish infrastructure. This pivot stems from long-standing reliability concerns with Ankara and Greece’s proven NATO integration. Recent contracts and partnerships confirm the shift.
Why Reliability Concerns Drive Replacing Turkey With Greece
Turkey’s 2019 purchase of Russian S-400 systems led to its removal from the F-35 program. This eroded trust in Ankara as a stable logistics hub. Additionally, the 2016 coup attempt cut power to the Incirlik Air Base, highlighting the base’s vulnerabilities. Greece, by contrast, offers consistent access under the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement. Therefore, the US now treats Greek facilities as a unified network for redundancy.
Military Infrastructure Supports Replacing Turkey With Greece
Souda Bay Upgrades Crete New Hub
In May 2025, the US Navy awarded a $43.91 million contract for a Joint Mobility Processing Center at Souda Bay, Crete. This facility will support air operations and carrier logistics. Moreover, it enables faster deployment to the Suez Canal and North Africa. Greece’s naval base now hosts nuclear-powered carriers with reduced transit times.
Alexandroupoli and Other Bases Expand Capacity
Alexandroupoli serves as the primary logistics port for heavy equipment movements, bypassing the Turkish Straits. The port handled brigade-scale sustainment in recent exercises. Furthermore, Larissa hosts MQ-9 Reaper UAVs, while Andravida integrates future F-35 operations. Greece is acquiring 20 F-35 jets, with deliveries starting in 2028. These assets create a “mirror network” across six sites.
Energy Security Accelerates Replacing Turkey With Greece
The Vertical Corridor channels US LNG from Greek terminals to the north. Revithoussa handles 5.1 billion cubic meters annually, while Alexandroupoli’s FSRU adds 5.5 billion cubic meters. Over 70 percent of recent LNG volumes at Revithoussa came from the US. Consequently, this route supplies the Balkans and Ukraine without Turkish transit.
ExxonMobil joined exploration in Block 2 of the Ionian Sea in November 2025. Drilling is scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027. Chevron and other US firms also hold interests south of Crete. These projects position Greece as an emerging gas producer and transit hub.
NATO and Regional Implications of Replacing Turkey With Greece
Greece ranks among NATO’s top defense spenders, exceeding the 3 percent of GDP threshold. The US-Greece partnership complements ongoing ties with Turkey but adds strategic depth. For example, the 3+1 format with Cyprus and Israel strengthens energy and security coordination. This diversification enhances alliance flexibility amid challenges in the Black Sea and Levant.
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