Greece’s US weapons deal could reach $4 billion as Athens moves to strengthen its military capabilities through advanced weapons purchases and additional F-16 fighter jet upgrades.
Two senior Greek officials outlined the package following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Athens on October 7, according to a report by Greek Reporter citing Reuters.
The reported agreement includes missiles, bombs and aircraft modernization as Greece expands its defense cooperation with Washington.
Greece’s US Weapons Deal Includes F-16 Upgrades
A senior Greek Defense Ministry official said the package covers advanced weapons for F-16 Viper fighters, F-35 aircraft and Black Hawk helicopters.
Greece is already upgrading approximately 82 F-16 fighter jets to the Viper configuration. Athens also plans to modernize another 37 older Block 50 aircraft, with the additional upgrades estimated to cost around $1 billion.
Greek officials said the country would spread the reported $4 billion expenditure across several years.
They also indicated that existing multiyear defense plans already cover most of the purchases, limiting the expected impact on public finances.
The latest package builds on earlier military procurement commitments between Greece and the United States.
In 2024, Greece committed to purchasing 20 F-35 fighter jets, with an option to acquire another 20 aircraft.
The country also signed an agreement to purchase 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters for its armed forces.
Those earlier aircraft purchases are separate from the newly reported weapons and upgrade package.
Rubio Visit Highlights US-Greece Defense Cooperation
During the October 7 talks, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and Rubio launched the sixth Greece-US Strategic Dialogue.
Gerapetritis emphasized the importance of the two countries’ Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement and their longstanding military partnership.
He also highlighted the strategic significance of Souda and Alexandroupolis for the US presence in the region.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation while Greece continues modernizing its armed forces.
The reported weapons package reflects Athens’ efforts to expand its defense capabilities and maintain close military ties with Washington.
The full procurement terms and implementation schedule have not been publicly detailed.
