In the midst of tensions with Turkey in the Aegean Sea, Greece concluded Monday the purchase of 18 Rafale fighter jets from France, to strengthen its defense and its partnership with Paris.

Six of the aircraft are purchased new from the manufacturer Dassault Aviation, and must be delivered from 2022.

The Rafale fighter plane is exported a little more, and for the first time in Europe.

Greece signed a very important contract for 18 French fighter jets on Monday.

The objective: to strengthen its defense and its partnership with Paris in the face of increased tensions with neighboring Turkey, and to secure air superiority in the Aegean without delay.

It is therefore the first time that the Dassault Aviation group will equip a European army other than that of France.

A 2.5 billion euro contract

Until then, Dassault Aviation had only three customers for its Rafale: Egypt, Qatar and India.

The first has already received its 24 planes and Doha and New Delhi, which have ordered 36 planes, should see the last deliveries made in the year. 

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Greece is therefore added to the list.

A loyal Dassault customer for 45 years, the country has ordered 18 Rafale, or 12 used aircraft and six new aircraft.

The contract amounts to around 2.5 billion euros and also includes the supply of Scalp cruise missiles, Exocet anti-ship missiles and Mica and above all Meteor anti-aircraft missiles.

"A year and a half of work"

In the current period, this is excellent news for both the group and its 500 subcontractors.

Especially since in addition to foreign contracts, it will also be necessary to ensure the 40 remaining French deliveries.

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This contract "represents a year and a half of work," said Eric Trappier, CEO.

"In the context of the current crisis, it is a great satisfaction," he said, referring to "a breath of fresh air for the entire defense aeronautics sector".

But Dassault hopes not to stop there.

The Rafale is notably in competition in Switzerland, Finland and Croatia.