Greece to finalize deal for acquisition of 20 F-35 jets ahead of US elections
Date
7/17/2024 4:20:34 AM
(MENAFN) Greece is aiming to finalize a deal for the acquisition of 20 F-35 jets before the upcoming US elections in November, according to media reports released on Tuesday. Following the parliamentary approval received on June 28, the National Security Council has since endorsed the purchase and empowered the Defense Ministry's General Directorate of Equipment and Investments to initiate discussions with the United States ahead of the elections, as reported by public broadcaster ERT.
If negotiations are successfully concluded in time, the initial deliveries of the jets to the Hellenic Air Force are expected to occur in 2028, although the aircraft will initially remain in the US for training purposes. By 2030, the F-35s are planned to be stationed permanently at the Andravida Air Base, located in the northwest region of the Peloponnese Peninsula. To facilitate the acquisition, a team of US experts is anticipated to visit the base for inspection.
The reported value of the deal stands at approximately USD3.47 billion, which will encompass not only the 20 jets but also include essential elements such as initial technical support, pilot and engineer training, and the establishment of simulators at the base. Additionally, the Council has approved the procurement of four S-100 unmanned helicopters, which will be integrated with FDI-type frigates that Greece expects to receive from France in the near future.
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