Greece signed on Monday the purchase of 18 Rafale from France for an amount of 2.5 billion euros.

The contract includes 12 second-hand aircraft, taken from the inventory of the French Air Force, six new aircraft from the manufacturer Dassault Aviation, as well as the associated logistical support and armaments.

Greece signed a contract on Monday for the purchase of 18 Rafale fighter jets from France, thus strengthening its partnership with Paris in the face of tensions with Turkey, an AFP journalist noted.

The amount of the transaction amounts to approximately 2.5 billion euros and includes the supply by Paris of 12 second-hand aircraft, taken from the inventory of the French Air Force, of six new aircraft from from the manufacturer Dassault Aviation, as well as the associated logistical support and armaments.

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A "major success" for the Rafale

Referring to a "very dense operational partnership" with Athens, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, who went to the Greek capital for the signing ceremony of the contract, hailed a "significant success" for the Rafale, which for the first time is sold to a European country towards which France seeks to refocus its exports and its cooperation.

This acquisition was discussed in record time between the two governments.

The decision to negotiate was taken in September by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in reaction to Turkey's gas exploration and show of force in disputed waters with Greece and Cyprus.

Eric Trapper, CEO of Dassault Aviation will be the guest of Sonia Mabrouk at 8:15 am in the morning of Europe 1 on Tuesday January 26.

An interview to follow live or in replay. 

Deliveries are due to start in July

In recent months, France has demonstrably sided with Athens and has sent Rafales and warships during the summer in response to the deployment of Turkish military and prospecting vessels in an area claimed by Greece.

Turkish actions described in December as "illegal and aggressive" by the leaders of the European Union.

Rafale deliveries are due to start in July.

"The first pilots and technicians of the Greek Air Force will travel to France in the coming days for their training," said Greek government spokesman Christos Tarantilis.