Hellenic News Update 15-01-2025

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US Approves $130 Million Sale of Drones, Armored Vehicles to Greece - December 24, 2024
The US State Department has approved the potential sale of Aerosonde uncrewed aircraft systems and armored vehicles to Greece for an estimated $130 million. Athens’ procurement request includes an unknown quantity of Aerosonde drones with anti-spoofing modules and Global Positioning Systems. Also requested is an unspecified number of M1117 wheeled armored security vehicles, MK19 grenade machine guns, and spare parts. “The proposed sale will improve Greece’s capability to deter current and future threats, support coalition operations, and increase interoperability with the United States,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated in a press release. Hunt Valley, Maryland-based Textron Systems is the principal contractor for the potential sale with no known offset agreements. Read more

Kalamata emerges as a global hub for advanced military pilot training - December 21, 2024
The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) has made a significant leap forward with the graduation of its first class of pilot cadets trained on the brand new M-346 training jets at the 120 Air Training Wing, based at Kalamata Air Base in the Peloponnese. This development marks a transformative shift in pilot training, equipping cadets to operate next-generation aircraft such as the Rafale, upgraded F-16 Vipers, and the advanced F-35 fighter jets. The program has drawn considerable international attention. Germany’s air force recently launched a two-year training initiative in Kalamata, with plans to enroll 16 German pilots annually starting in 2025. Similarly, Croatia is in discussions to begin pilot training next year. Read more

‘No, a Thousand Times No’: Greek Defense Minister on LCS Deal - December 19, 2024
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias rejected the acquisition of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) from the United States, citing their propulsion issues and the multimillion-dollar repair costs, during his speech in the Hellenic Parliament on December 14, 2024. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias was particularly critical of the letter from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, which referenced a number of weapon systems, vehicles, and warships the U.S. intends to provide to Greece. Dendias expressed his concerns on December 14, 2024 during his speech in the Hellenic Parliament on the draft bill for the “Ratification of the State Budget for the Fiscal Year 2025”. Read more

Military faces urgent helicopter repair issues - December 19, 2024
The Defense Ministry faces critical questions about its aging fleet of military helicopters, which are plagued by operational issues. Following the destruction of the Stefanovikeio base by flooding in September 2023, some Apache helicopters were relocated, and other helicopters are scattered across different locations. The Hellenic Air Force has considered permanently stationing some of them in Thessaloniki for operational efficiency. Meanwhile, ongoing negotiations with Saudi Arabia for replacement parts have stalled, further delaying repairs. Greece’s Sikorsky CH-47 Chinook helicopters are also facing significant challenges; of the 25 in service, only five are flight-ready. There are difficulties maintaining older models, and talks with the US for upgrades or replacements are ongoing. Read more

Hellenic Navy acquiring latest version of the Exocet missile - December 18, 2024
The Hellenic Navy is moving forward with the procurement of the latest version of the French-built Exocet missiles, after the program received approval from Parliament’s special arms committee. The procurement includes the acquisition of 16 MM-40 Block 3C missiles for 33 million euros, which will be integrated into the Rapid Patrol Missile inventory of the Rapid Missile Command, according to Kathimerini sources. The Parliament committee also approved a €15 million program for the acquisition of three Marine Protector patrol vessels to replace the aging vessels of the Surveillance Vessel Command. There is growing optimism for the heavy torpedo program for Type 214 submarines, as a first round of high-performance torpedoes arrived in Salamina, close to Athens, a few days ago. Read more

Greek Army: First Patroller deliveries in 2025 - December 17, 2024
In November 2024, the first test flight of the new Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Patroller took place. Regarding the cost, this may not be so high, however, its capabilities will offer benefits at a tactical, operational and strategic level for the Army. Following their acquisition, the Greek Army will acquire upgraded reconnaissance and information collection capabilities as they will provide real-time information to operations centers, while their advanced sensors will be able to detect moving targets at long distances. In June 2024, at the Eurosatory 2024 international exhibition, which took place in Paris, the French army, in collaboration with the manufacturer SAFRAN, presented its new tactical unmanned aerial vehicle, the Patroller. Read more

Immediate implementation of Phase A for the merger of Units and the abolishment of Camps by 31/12/2024 pursuant to the directive of the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias - December 16, 2024
Pursuant to the relevant directive of the Minister of National Defence, Mr. Nikos Dendias, Phase A of the planning for the redeployment and merger of Units, due to the change to the disposition of Formations and the abolition of Army camps, within the framework of the Armed Forces’ reorganization and their New Structure, is implemented directly by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS). Phase A is to be completed by 31 December 2024. The objective is to increase the level of staffing by abolishing understaffed Units and merging them where required, as well as to increase their operational capabilities and the Formations’ capabilities on the basis of modern operational requirements. Read more

Greece Adopts Budget Almost Doubling Defense Spend - December 16, 2024
Greece will almost double its defense spending after parliament approved the 2025 state budget Sunday with a roll-call vote, traditionally regarded as a vote of confidence in the government. With 159 out of a total of 299 votes cast, the State budget for the fiscal year 2025 was ratified while the defense expenditure was approved by a larger majority. Spending for the defense ministry will rise to 6.1 billion euros ($6.5 billion) from 3.6 billion euros, due to the increase in equipment deliveries in 2025. “Compared to 2019, by 2025, spending on health will have increased by 74 percent and spending on defense by 73 percent, underlining the government’s priorities,” Minister of Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis had said late November on submitting the budget to parliament. Read more

Greece approves EUR 75.2 million purchase of Switchblade loitering munitions - December 15, 2024
Greece's National Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA) has approved the procurement of 592 Switchblade loitering munitions from the United States. The purchase includes both the lightweight Switchblade 300 Block 20 and the more powerful Switchblade 600 models. The deal, valued at EUR 75.2 million, will be partially funded through the US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme under the bilateral defence cooperation agreement between Greece and the US. Greece will contribute EUR 25 million, representing one-third of the total cost, while the remaining funding will come from the FMF programme. Read more

Greece Prioritizes M113 Modernization Over US Bradleys and French VBCIs - December 11, 2024
According to information published by the specialized website OnAlert on December 9, 2024, the Greek military has decided to modernize its fleet of M113 armored personnel carriers (APCs) rather than acquire new vehicles like the American M2 Bradleys or the French VBCIs. This decision, driven by budgetary constraints and operational requirements, represents a significant move in Greece's efforts to upgrade its armored vehicle fleet while addressing its military needs. For years, the Greek General Staff has sought to modernize its mechanized infantry, which has faced growing obsolescence in its equipment. The Kentauros Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) project, launched in the 2000s, was abandoned, leaving Greece without a viable replacement for its aging vehicles. Read more

Defense minister unveils plan for missile shield - December 7, 2024
Greece is fortifying its defense posture in the Aegean Sea, with Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announcing plans for a missile defense shield. Speaking during Saint Nicholas Day celebrations on Friday, Dendias said the missile shield will be capable of “preventing and deterring any thought or attempt of overturning the status quo in the Aegean, which has been established and secured by international treaties, international law, and the international law of the sea.” His remarks appeared directed at Ankara amid renewed tensions and aggressive rhetoric from Turkey over territorial claims. Dendias emphasized that the Hellenic Navy ensures Greek sovereignty in the Aegean. Read more

Greece to purchase 38 Israeli PULS rocket launchers to strengthen border and island defences - December 6, 2024
According to OnAlert on December 5, 2024, Greece is in the final stages of approving the acquisition of 38 PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System) multiple rocket launcher systems, manufactured by Israel's Elbit Systems. Valued at approximately €500 million, the program is currently under review by the Greek Parliament and the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA). The package includes the launchers, command batteries, a range of precision-guided missiles, as well as training and maintenance services. The PULS multiple rocket launcher systems are planned for deployment in the Evros region and on major islands in the Eastern Aegean due to their strategic significance. Read more

Greece Limits Rafales at 24 Jets - December 5, 2024
Greek Premier Mitsotakis states that the Hellenic Air Force will not buy more Rafale Jets; the Air Force will be limited to 24 Rafale Jets. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke to Greek Journalist Antonis Schroiter’s “Autopsy” programme at Tanagra Air Base. When asked about the Greek Armed Forces’ future procurement plans, Mitsotakis said, “There is currently no intention to exercise our right to acquire six more Rafales. We have 24, and we believe these are sufficient, combined with our decision to acquire 20 F-35 aircraft in the first phase. These are 5th generation aircraft, fully stealth, i.e. practically invisible to any radar. They are aircraft that work and cooperate well with the F-16s we already have, which will eventually be installed in Andravida. Read more

Patriot and S-300 to Ukraine? Greece labels reports as ‘fake news’ - December 2, 2024
The Greek government has denied circulating reports suggesting it plans to transfer Patriot and S-300 air defense systems to Ukraine. This statement was made by Pavlos Marinakis, the official spokesperson for the Greek government, during a press briefing. “There is absolutely no basis for such claims, and I categorically deny them,” Marinakis said in response to a question about whether Greece intends to transfer the Patriot or S-300 systems to Ukraine. “We occasionally see such fake news—it’s a complete fabrication,” he added. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has repeatedly stated that Greece does not intend to send the U.S.-manufactured Patriot missile defense systems or Soviet-Russian S-300 systems to Ukraine. Read more

Hellenic Army’s Patroller UAV Conducts First Test Flight - December 1, 2024
Greece introduces a French Safran-made Patroller UAV to conduct ISR missions in Thrace and the Aegean Sea. The UAV conducted its first test flight last week. The first test flight of the Hellenic army’s new Patroller Unmanned Aircraft occurred last week. According to reports, the first system is expected to be received in 2025 to replace the existing SAGEM Sperwer UAV. The cost for the program is under € 20 million for four UAVs. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) coordinates the negotiations with Safran on behalf of the Hellenic Army. The Patroller UAV is designed for ISR missions. Read more

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