Greece agrees $4 billion deal for US missiles, F-16 upgrades

Greece has agreed to spend up to US$4 billion on U.S. weapons and upgrades to its fighter-jet fleet, according to two senior sources. The deal covers advanced missiles and bombs and upgrades for additional F-16s, with Reuters citing a defense ministry official who said most procurements are already included in Greece’s multi-year defense plan, avoiding extra strain on public finances. The announcement came a day after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Athens on October 7. Greece had planned about €28 billion by 2036 for U.S.-made F-35 jets and helicopters and its “Achilles Shield” system. The sources also reiterated Greece is upgrading about 82 F-16s to the Viper version and seeking to upgrade 37 more Block 50s, with costs around $1 billion.