The Rafale fighter plane, the flagship of French defense aeronautics, continues its commercial success with the order signed on Monday January 25 by Greece for 18 aircraft.

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.

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.

@florence_parly: Bilateral interview with @npanagioto, Greek Minister of Defense.

Defense cooperation between our two countries is historic and solid.

# EuropeDéfense @Armees_Gouv pic.twitter.com/7KVZz8k1DK

- France in Greece (@FranceenGrece) January 25, 2021

Tensions with Turkey

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 sent, during the summer, Rafales and warships 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.

With AFP

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