The specialist Standing Committee on Equipment Programs and Contractsthe Minister of National Defense informed Parliament today, Nikos Dendias,for equipment programs that have entered the “range” of their implementation within their framework “Agenda 2030” .
As Nikos Dendias pointed out after briefing members, Greece is expected to acquire 20 fighter jets F-35 -the most sophisticated currently flying- thus giving a important “weapon” of the Greek Air Force.
Although he also informed the commission about the shipbuilding program in Greece constellation frigate, of the US Navy’s next-generation frigate.
“The acquisition of F-35s will ensure the ability to deter any threat from wherever it originates”
“Today, as part of the meeting of the Equipment Committee of the national delegation, of the Hellenic Parliament, I had the opportunity to present two important chapters of the “Agenda 2030”.
First, the acquisition of 20 F-35 aircraft, the most advanced aircraft currently flying. An important weapon that will give the Greek Air Force a great opportunity. This will ensure the ability to deter any threat against our country, wherever it may come from.”
For Constellation frigates
Regarding the construction program in Greece for the Constellation frigates, the Ministry of Defense stated that “if we decide to build it, after this initial phase it will be a very important weapon for the Greek Navy.
It will be a second major weapon after the ‘Belharra’ frigates, which could support the direction of the Greek Navy in the 21st century.”
It should be noted that on Wednesday, April 10, the official letter of offer and acceptance LOA (Letter of Offer and Acceptance), from the USA, was sent to the Ministry of National Defense for the supply of the F-35.
The relevant request has already been approved by Congress and, in fact, just before the second round of national elections in June 2023.
What is included in the free military hardware package?
It is recalled that the official acceptance of the Greek request for the supply of F-35s, “together with the simultaneous granting of a very important package of free military material from the American arsenal to Greece is a ‘vote of confidence’ for the country and the government by Kyriakos Mitsotakis ».
Note that the free package includes, among other things, four LCS frigates, two C-130 transports, 60 armored fighting vehicles and patrol ships.
Constellation frigate construction program
Following the meeting of the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, with his Cypriot counterpart, Vassilis Palmas, in February, it became known that Greece is entering as co-producer on the US Constellation-class next-generation frigate program.
The frigates constellationWith their cutting-edge technology and powerful weapons systems, they offer unparalleled striking power.
Greece, with the supply of Constellation frigates, acquires ships capable of dealing with any maritime threat, ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Furthermore, Nikos Dendias had stated a few days ago that “In the Navy, the country will not have just one source of supply. Of course we want the Constellation Program, of course we are going to the Constellation Program – that’s what we said. It is a long-term program, we are very interested because it is not just a question of production in Greece, of shipbuilding in Greece, it is also a question of planning based on the needs of the Greek Navy.”
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