Greece has approved the purchase of 35 UH-60M "Black Hawk" helicopters. from the American defense equipment manufacturer Lockheed Martin Corp, opening a new chapter in its attempt to modernize its armed forces, two sources familiar with the deal told Reuters, reported in Kathimerini, quoted by BTA.
"The deal, approved by a parliamentary committee, calls for the purchase of 35 helicopters for 1.15 billion euros ($1.24 billion),” a government official told Reuters. A second person confirmed the decision, which was agreed late on Tuesday.
Greece aims to revamp its defense industry and boost its shipbuilding industry as it recovers from a decade-long debt crisis that forced it to cut spending.
The government has drawn up a multibillion-dollar, 10-year equipment purchase plan that includes the acquisition of up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the US and three frigates from France. Athens is also in talks with the United States to jointly design and build Constellation-class frigates for the Greek Navy.