Greece to boost military with 18 French Rafale jets in 2021

·

Greece on Tuesday said it will take delivery of 18 French-made Rafale fighter jets next year, as part of a major 11.5-billion-euro ($14.5-billion) drive to modernize its armed forces amid tension with neighbour Turkey.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the agreements would be finalized with the French government and defense contractor Dassault Aviation in the coming days, announcing the news in parliament ahead of a vote on the 2021 budget.

Annual spending on defense is being hiked by more than a third in 2021 to 5.4 billion euros ($6.5 billion) despite a deep recession triggered by the pandemic this year.

A Rafale fighter jet flies over the factory of French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation in Merignac near Bordeaux, France, in this March 4, 2015 file photo. (Reuters)

Greece and fellow NATO member Turkey remain at odds over boundaries and undersea natural gas rights in the eastern Mediterranean, a dispute that intensified this year and raised concerns among western allies of a potential military confrontation.

Details of Greece’s military overhaul were announced after the summer: A five-year program that will include weapons upgrades for all three branches of the armed forces and the hiring of an additional 15,000 personnel.

The program includes plans to purchase new frigates, anti-submarine warfare helicopters and drones, as well as an upgrade of Greece’s entire fleet of F-16 jets by 2027 in partnership with U.S. defense firm Lockheed Martin.

Greece has forged closer military ties with traditional allies France and the United States and expanded collaboration with Israel, Egypt, and other countries in the region.

Military spending was cut back during a major financial crisis that started over a decade ago but Greece is again facing acute financial problems due to the pandemic.

Lawmakers approved the budget later Tuesday by 158-148 votes.

Sourced By: AP News

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘I will never forget you’: Emotional farewell for Greek Consul General in Sydney

An emotional Greek Consul General Yannis Mallikourtis delivered his farewell speech on Monday evening at Business Sydney’s Event Centre.

Adelaide’s St Sophrony Parish raises funds for hall construction

The newly established St Sophrony of Essex parish in Hectorville, Adelaide, held its first official fundraising dinner on Sunday, June 29.

From homelessness to homeowner: Kostas Papadimitropoulos shares his inspirational story

Melbourne man Kostas Papadimitropoulos has turned his life around after being scammed out of his life savings and forced to live in his car.

Sydney Dance Company shines at Athens Epidaurus Festival with ‘Impermanence’

The Sydney Dance Company captivated a crowd of 5,000 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus last week, performing 'Impermanence.'

Former ATO worker Paraskevi Vula Danassis convicted in $2 billion GST scam

Former Australian Taxation Office employee Paraskevi Vula Danassis has been convicted over her role in a $2 billion GST fraud scheme.

You May Also Like

Greek films to catch at the Sydney Film Festival

This year’s Sydney Film Festival showcases a wide range of Greek talent including directors Christos Nikou and Angeliki Antoniou.

Zenta Kronitis details how she went from ICU nurse to liver transplant recipient

After being told she only had a few days left to live, Zenta Kronitis received the call that would give her a second chance at life.

Maria Sakkari becomes first Greek woman to advance to WTA finals

Maria Sakkari is the first Greek woman to quality for the WTA Finals after she advanced past Anna Kalinskaya in the round of 16.