U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt broke the news via Twitter that a senior committee of Greek government military officials has approved a $1.5 billion upgrade of its F-16 fighter planes.
A very big day for our @HAFspokesman and @Hellenic_MOD allies as the Greece 🇬🇷 F-16 upgrade moves ahead – building on Prime Minister @tsipras_eu visit to the White House last October. Congratulations Minister @PanosKammenos and team. pic.twitter.com/zRCzeRnYv1
— George J. Tsunis (@USAmbassadorGR) April 28, 2018
The improvements to 85 of the Greek Air Force’s fleet will upgrade the jets to capabilities similar to the F-35 fighters, minus the stealth technology.
Amongst the companies to work on the upgrades are U.S. defense contractors Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin.
The payment terms of the agreement will have Greece paying upwards of $182 million annually until the year 2028.
Pyatt congratulated the Greek government ministers involved, and recalled Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ visit to The White House in October where he discussed the deal with U.S. President Donald Trump.
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