TSAMTO, August 6. The US State Department has approved the supply of equipment for the support and maintenance of the F-16 fighter fleet to Greece under the Foreign Military Sales program. The total cost of the purchase may amount to $ 270 million.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the planned sale on August 3.
The Greek government has requested the possibility of purchasing engineering, technical and logistics support services for the F-16 from the US government and the contractor under the ASIP (Aircraft Structural Integrity Program) program.
The request also includes equipment for training F-16 flight crews (ATD), container sighting and navigation low-altitude IR systems LANTIRN, reconnaissance containers (RECCE), secret and unclassified software for aircraft and its support, support for the multifunctional information distribution system (MIDS) software, support for the Joint Mission Planning Software (JMPS), participation in the international ECISAP program (Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program), participation in the international IEMP program (International Engine Management Program) and technical coordination groups, support for aircraft and engine software and hardware, spare parts and equipment, equipment for training and personnel training, technical documentation, other elements of aircraft maintenance and support programs.
As stated, the implementation of this program corresponds to the interests of US foreign policy and national security and will increase the security of a NATO ally.
The notification notes that the planned sale will improve Greece's ability to counter existing and future threats by providing flexible logistics support for the F-16, including aspects of flight crew training and maintenance of equipment.
In addition, the ability to provide such a level of support for the F-16 will expand the interaction of the Greek Armed Forces with NATO forces.
The main contractors of the sale are L3 / Harris International, Lockheed-Martin Aero Corporation, Collins Aerospace, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Raytheon Company, Atec Incorporated. The buyer usually requires the implementation of a compensation program accompanying the contracts, the terms of which will be determined in negotiations between the buyer and the contractor.
The notice of sale is published in accordance with the requirements of American law. The description and the cost of sale reflect the highest estimated indicators based on the initial requirements. The actual purchase price may be lower, depending on the final requirements, financial capabilities and signed purchase and sale agreements, if they are concluded.
