Greece is about to purchase 18 French Rafale jets

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said: The government aims to increase spending on military capacity by 57% compared to 2019, according to what was reported by the Greek site "Creek Report".

The budget of the Greek Ministry of Defense is expected to reach about 5.5 billion euros (6.6 billion US dollars), more than double last year's spending, due to the escalating tension with Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean.

Despite the financial difficulties, Greece will buy 18 French Rafale fighter jets, at a cost of 1.5 billion euros, next year.

"In a few days, a deal to buy 18 Rafale jets from France will be signed here in Athens," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told lawmakers during the debate on the 2021 budget.

"Never before has such a complex and important military program been implemented so quickly and efficiently," he added, adding that the government also wants to acquire new frigates, helicopters and drones, modernize its fleet of F-16 fighters and recruit 15,000 additional personnel.

Legislators are expected to approve the deal in the coming days, while French Defense Minister Florence Parly will sign the contract in Athens next week.

Defense officials said the pilots will begin training in France in early 2021, while six aircraft will arrive in Greece by July.

T/S

ANHA