Greece has signed a new arms deal with France worth over $4.4 billion to buy three navy frigates and six additional Rafale fighter jets as Athens increases its armed forces in response to rising tensions with Turkey.
France’s defence minister joined the respective defence minister from Greece, Nikos Panagiotopoulos at a signing ceremony on the eve of Greece’s national day aboard a 112-year-old battleship that also acts as a floating museum.
“It is with solidarity that we address the threats that face our nations and our interests,” minister Parly said.
The three FDI-class French frigates will be built by Naval Group, a defence contractor located in western France that is set to be delivered by 2026.
One of six agreed Rafale fighter jets landed on the island of Crete on Friday, where it will be based as it begins a series of operations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Source: AP News, Ekathimerini
