Greece and US announce multi-billion defense procurement agreement

Greece and the United States have reached a defense procurement agreement valued at up to $4 billion (approximately €3.58 billion). The deal, finalized as part of the Greece-US Strategic Dialogue, focuses on the modernization of the Hellenic Air Force and military capabilities through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

The agreement includes the upgrade of existing F-16 fighter jets to the advanced Viper configuration, as well as the procurement of modern missiles and precision-guided bombs for F-16 Viper jets, F-35 aircraft, and Black Hawk helicopters. Defense officials confirmed that this initiative is part of a broader, long-term national defense strategy that earmarks roughly €28 billion in spending through 2036. This strategy also encompasses the future acquisition of F-35s and the implementation of the "Achilles Shield," an Israeli-designed layered anti-ballistic and anti-aircraft defense system.

Authorities stated that most of these acquisitions were already integrated into the government's multi-year fiscal planning. Consequently, the expenditure is not expected to place additional stress on public finances, as the costs will be distributed across several years. This agreement serves to bolster Greece’s interoperability and defense industrial base while deepening security ties with the United States.