The first batch of 6 French-made Rafale fighters were delivered to Greece the two countries strengthened their military alliance

The reference news network reported on January 20 that according to the French "Le Monde" website reported on January 18, about a year after Greece ordered 18 French fighter jets, six "Rafale" fighters will arrive at the Thanagela Military Base in northern Athens on January 19. A grand handover ceremony is expected, with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis present. Greece is buying new weapons as a diplomatic deterrent against Turkey's ambitions in the eastern Mediterranean.

According to the report, in mid-September 2021, Athens ordered an additional 6 Raboss fighter jets. The 24 Rafale fighters, together with related weapons and replacement parts, totaled 3.3 billion euros. Athens also intends to acquire 3 Belhara-class frigates built by the French Naval Group, totaling between 3 billion and 5 billion euros. Greece may also be interested in buying 4 to 5 Wind chasing corvettes built by naval groups.

Greece's defense budget increased to 5.5 billion euros in 2021, a 41 percent increase over 2020. For the conservative government of Mitsotakis, the investment was necessary.

Athens also signed an agreement with Israel to train pilots and a mutual aid agreement with the United Arab Emirates or the United States. This could make it possible to procure F-35 fighter jets.

Thanos Dokos, the Greek government's national security adviser, noted at the seminar: "The United States wants to withdraw from the eastern Mediterranean, and other actors may intend to establish themselves in the region." Europe needs to take a stand in order to avoid harming itself. ”

Macron and Mitsotakis are strong supporters of European strategic autonomy. For France, a foothold in the Eastern Mediterranean helps to advance European defense. For Greece, diplomatic alliances are necessary in the face of an increasingly aggressive neighbor.

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