April 26, 2024

Athens News

News in English from Greece

Greece signs largest defense contract with Israel

The largest deal between Greece and Israel will strengthen the cooperation and partnership between the two countries. The signing of the contract is reported today by the press service of the Israeli Defense Ministry.

The $ 1.65 billion contract was the largest in the history of bilateral relations. In Greece, it is planned to create an international center for flight training and training of pilots of the Greek Air Force for 22 years. The center will be modeled on the Israeli Air Force Flight Academy. The press service of the Israeli Defense Ministry said:

“The Israeli and Greek Defense Ministries have signed a contract worth NIS 5.5 billion for the establishment and operation of an international flight training center for Greek Air Force pilots by the Israeli company Elbit Systems for 22 years. This is the largest defense contract between the state of Israel and Greece to date. modeled on the Israel Air Force Flight Academy, an international flight training center will be established in Greece, equipped with ten Italian-made M-346 trainer aircraft, and the Greek Air Force T-6 aircraft will be upgraded.Elbit Systems will also provide training, simulations and logistics support “.

Benny Gantz, Israel’s Defense Minister, commenting on the conclusion of the contract, notes that it “will strengthen the partnership and cooperation between the two countries at the defense, economic and political levels. It will also serve to strengthen the economies of Israel and Greece. “

Greece is tirelessly strengthening its defenses amid tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea with its impulsive neighbor Turkey. In addition to buying planes, Greece intends to acquire new frigates and helicopters, and 15,000 new recruits will join the country’s armed forces over the next 5 years.





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