Greek parliament approves $3 billion purchase of French Rafale fighters

·

Greek lawmakers in a vote Thursday approved a defense procurement program to purchase 18 French-made Rafale fighter planes, part of an armaments plan announced by the government in September.

Greece has earmarked 11.5 billion euros ($14 billion) for the modernisation of its armed forces over the next five years, at a time of increased tension with neighbouring Turkey.

READ MORE: Greece to boost military with 18 French Rafale jets in 2021

Relations between the two NATO members, often strained, deteriorated sharply last year, with warships facing off in the eastern Mediterranean in a dispute over maritime boundaries and energy rights.

Delivery of the 18 Rafale jets — 12 currently in service in France and six new planes to be built by Dassault Aviation — is scheduled to begin mid-year and to be completed over two years. The jets and the purchase of compatible air-to-air Meteor missiles are expected to cost 2.3 billion euros ($3.4 billion).

(L) Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrives for an EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels, Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. (John Thys, Pool via AP)

Lawmakers from the governing center-right party as well as the two largest opposition parties voted in favour of the program, backing legislation that was fast-tracked through parliament.

Government spokesman Christos Tarantilis said the program was part of the government’s actions “for the immediate reinforcement of the deterrent capabilities of our armed forces.”

The overall modernisation drive for Greece’s armed forces includes upgrades for the army, navy and air force, and the hiring of 15,000 personnel.

The program features plans to purchase warships, anti-submarine warfare helicopters and drones, and an upgrade of Greece’s F-16 fighter jet fleet by 2027.

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

Dr Christos Theologos: ‘Dance keeps us bound to our roots, from Chios to Sydney’

As part of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia, respected folklorist Dr Christos Theologos will lead a series of lectures and workshops.

South Melbourne turns to supporters ahead of Australian Championship kick-off

The opening clash of the Australian Championship will be an event shaped by the voices of the fans themselves.

Low birth rates and ageing: The silent enemy of the Greek nation

From the late 1990s it had become clear to Greek demographers and social scientists that the number of births in Greece was falling.

Peta Trimis: The new star of Australian football with a Hellenic soul

At just 19 years old, Peta Trimis is already being hailed as one of the brightest young stars of Australian football.

A second chance at life: Angelo Alateras’ journey from mechanical heart to transplant hope

After years on life support, 80kgs lost, and 615 days of physio, Angelo finally received the gift of a new heart.

You May Also Like

Greek government condemns vandalism by PAOK fans of Thessaloniki MP’s office

Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas condemned the attack at the office of a New Democracy lawmaker by PAOK fans in the northern port city of Thessaloniki on Wednesday evening.

Filomena Kyriacou fails to delay legal battle over unpaid loans on mental health grounds

Filomena Kyriacou, previously mentioned in high-profile tax fraud cases, is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with the Commonwealth Bank

Greece and Armenia sign military cooperation agreement

Greek Minister Nikos Dendias met in Yerevan with his Armenian counterpart Suren Papikyan to sign a military cooperation agreement.