According to a press release by the French aerospace company Dassault on 12th September, Greece has announced its intention to acquire 18 Rafales and other defense systems to equip its armed forces.
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“This announcement illustrates the strength of the partnership that has linked the Greek Air Force (hellenic air force) and Dassault Aviation for more than 45 years, and demonstrates the enduring strategic relationship between Greece and France,” the release said.
The new procurements also include the purchase of four navy helicopters and four frigates, the country’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated in an annual state of the economy speech.
Acquisitions for new anti-tank weapons, torpedoes, guided missiles, and new vacancies in the armed forces will also be accomplished in the next 5 years.
“Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly welcomes the choice announced today by Prime Minister Mitsotakis to acquire 18 Rafale aircraft,” a statement by France’s Armed Forces ministry said late Saturday.
“This choice…strengthens the link between the Greek and French armed forces, and will allow them to intensify their operational and strategic cooperation,” the statement said, adding that a contract will be signed “in the coming months,” reports France24.
Greece would join the line as India also expects its deliveries of Rafale fighter jets soon, after the first five jets of the total contract of 36 were delivered on July 27th, 2020.
Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, said, “I am delighted with this announcement, which reinforces the exceptional relationship we have had with Greece for nearly half a century, and I thank the Greek authorities for their confidence in us once again.
Dassault Aviation is fully mobilized to meet the operational needs expressed by the Greek Air Force, and thus contribute to ensuring Greece’s sovereignty and the safety of the Greek people.”
The Rafale is an advanced twin-engine, canard delta wing multirole fighter built by the French company Dassault Aviation. The jet is considered a 4.5 generation aircraft and can perform air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, and deep strike missions with the capability to launch air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs).
