The Transatlantic Periscope is an interactive, multimedia tool that brings together expert commentary, high-quality media coverage, official policy documents, quantitative data, social media posts, and gray literature. It will provide on a monthly basis a summary of the most important news concerning the Greek-US relations, as reflected in the media. Below you will find an overview for July 2024.

On July 3, Lockheed Martin and the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAV) have delivered the 20th upgraded F-16 Viper fighter jet to the Hellenic Air Force. Furthermore, Lockheed Martin announced that with this upgrade, the Hellenic Air Force will be equipped with the “most advanced and cost-effective F-16 fleet in Europe.” In total, 84 F-16 fighter jets will be upgraded to the Viper configuration by 2027.

Furthermore, on July 8, the Hellenic Armed Forces refused to accept most of the military assistance from US stockpiles, part of the so-called Blinken package, due to high refurbishment costs. More specifically, the Hellenic Navy decided to decline the four LCS frigates offered by the US, as they were older versions and would require substantial resources to make operational. Similarly, the 164 Bradley IFVs from the US Army and BAE Systems stockpiles were rejected by the Hellenic Army due to the significant investments needed for refurbishment.

On July 16, the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) approved the purchase of 20 F-35 advanced multirole aircraft from the United States. KYSEA also approved the acquisition of three Schiebel’s S-100 unmanned helicopters, which will be stationed in the three new Kimon class FDI frigates that Greece will acquire in 2025 and 2026. Following the approval by KYSEA, Athens officially signed a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) with Washington for the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets, as Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced on July 25.

Lastly, the US Coast Guard has renewed Greece’s participation in the QUALSHIP 21 initiative for 2024-2025, acknowledging Greece as a Quality Flag State. The decision is based on the excellent performance of Greek-flagged vessels under US Coast Guard Port State Control over the past three years.

More at: https://transatlanticperiscope.org/relationship/GR#