ATHENS (GREECE) – Greece is in talks with France and other countries regarding arms purchases to strengthen its armed forces, a government official told on Tuesday.
Greece’s finance minister had announced that the country is ready to spend part of its cash reserves on arms purchases and other means which would help boost its “deterrence force”.
A government official told, “We are in talks with France, and not only with France, in order to increase our country’s defence potential. Within this framework, there is a discussion which includes the purchase of aircraft.”
Though there has not been an official confirmation, Greek media reported on Monday that Athens had admitted to acquiring 18 Dassault-made Rafale fighter jets from France.
A French government source said, “There is no agreement as written in several media. However, there are discussions on a number of subjects.”
Greece has been at loggerheads with neighbouring Turkey over an array of issues such as overlapping claims for hydrocarbon resources in the region.
Ankara dispatching the Oruc Reis seismic survey vessel in a disputed area heightened tensions between the two parties.
France and Germany have been trying to lessen the tension, as intermediaries.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.