The Greek government this week officially pledged to continue its multi-billion dollar military modernization program. The country of the Balkan Peninsula has set its sights on updating the fleet of fighter aircraft.
What is known
The government’s priority is to protect Greece. This was stated by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (Minister Kyriakos). The authorities are trying to modernize the armed forces after recovering from the severe financial crisis of 2018.
Now Greece is investing 3.54% of its gross domestic product in defense. This is the highest figure among all NATO members. Defense spending exceeds 2% of GDP only in Greece, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and the United Kingdom.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis said high defense spending is here to stay, despite a welcome easing of tensions with Turkey. The Greek Prime Minister is expected to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan next week in Vilnius.
Now for the Air Force. Greece buys two dozen Rafale fighters from the French company Dassault Aviation. In addition to this, the country is upgrading 58 existing American-made F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.
Greece is also awaiting approval from the United States to purchase fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters. The potential sale could be approved after the NATO summit in Vilnius on July 11-12.
Greece wants to order 20 fifth-generation fighter jets with an option to purchase 28 more aircraft in the future. Stana believes that deliveries of the F-35 Lightning II will begin in about five years.
Source: AP News
2023-07-08 11:15:41
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