Login
iscover
Greece will acquire up to 40 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft as part of a possible US$8.6 billion foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
The US Congress was notified of the potential sale of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) aircraft and related equipment to the government of Greece by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 26 January.
Under the possible deal, Greece would receive up to 40 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter conventional take-off and landing aircraft, 42 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, AN/PYQ-10 simple key loaders, KGV-135A embedded secure communications devices, cartridge actuated devices/propellant actuated devices, as well as impulse cartridges, chaff and flares.
The deal also includes:
- full mission simulators and system trainers
- electronic warfare systems and reprogramming lab support
- logistics management and support systems
- threat detection, tracking, and targeting systems
- classified software and software development
- delivery and integration support
- transportation, ferry, and refuelling support
- weapons containers, aircraft and munitions support and support equipment
- integration and test support and equipment
- aircraft engine component improvement program support
- secure communications, precision navigation, and cryptographic systems and equipment
- identification friend or foe equipment
- spare and repair parts, consumables, repair and return support
- minor modifications, maintenance and maintenance support
- personnel training and training equipment
- classified and unclassified publications and technical documents
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security of the United States by improving the air capabilities and interoperability of a NATO ally that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe,” according to a DSCA statement published on 26 January.
“The proposed sale will allow Greece to modernise its air force and improve Greece’s ability to provide for the defence of its airspace, contribute to NATO missions to preserve regional security and defend NATO allies, and maintain interoperability with US and NATO forces.
“The F-35 will offset the increasing obsolescence of other Hellenic Air Force aircraft such as the F-4 and Mirage 2000.
“Greece will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines have been identified as principal contractors for the possible sale, and the sale is not expected to require any additional US government or contractor representatives to be assigned to Greece.
