Athens (AFP)
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.
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.
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.
© 2021 AFP