Greek ex-intelligence chief warns of Türkiye’s rise as NATO’s central pillar

A retired Greek intelligence official has voiced alarm over Türkiye’s rising centrality within NATO, warning that Ankara’s geopolitical weight now extends beyond the F‑35 fighter jet issue. Speaking to Greek media, Savvas Kalenderidis, former head of Greece’s intelligence agency, said the shift from a peripheral ally to a central pillar under the “NATO 3.0” framework represents a fundamental change in the alliance’s power dynamics.

Israeli concerns and regional balance

Kalenderidis’s remarks come after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly expressed deep concern over potential F‑35 sales to Türkiye, warning that it could shift the regional balance of power and undermine Israel’s air superiority. The issue is expected to feature prominently during the NATO summit in Ankara, where President Trump has signalled he will make a “very happy” announcement regarding Türkiye’s requests.

Strategic implications for Greece and Israel

“The real development is not the F‑35s, but Türkiye’s geopolitical importance and its significance for NATO reaching a new level,” Kalenderidis said. “I don’t know how Greece and Israel should cope with this new development.” He also noted that Trump is expected to meet Syrian President Ahmad al‑Sharaa alongside Erdoğan, further underscoring Ankara’s diplomatic reach. The NATO summit, which begins in Ankara on July 7, is expected to address defence spending, support for Ukraine, and the alliance’s future strategic orientation amid shifting transatlantic dynamics.