The State Department has approved the possible sale of F-16 Fighting Falcon engine components and support to the government of Greece. The proposed foreign military sale is estimated to be valued at $160 million with General Electric Aerospace serving as the principal contractor, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Thursday.
The purchase will include aircraft engines, ground handling equipment, spare parts, related software, repair and return services, delivery and program support.
According to the DCSA, the Hellenic Armed Forces will have no difficulty absorbing the military equipment. Greece has one of the largest air fleets among NATO member states and operates over a hundred F-16 Fighting Falcon, including the Block 70/72 with the Viper upgrades.
The potential deal is also aimed at boosting Greece’s capability to maintain its F-16 aircraft, which the country uses to maintain security and promote peace in the eastern Mediterranean region.
US Military Aircraft Sale to Greece
The possible FMS comes months after the U.S. Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman a $49.9 million contract to repair radar components on F-16 aircraft for 11 countries, including Greece. According to reports, the effort aims to ensure that the fighter jet will remain operational in years to come.
In January, the State Department also approved an $8.6 billion sale of F-35 aircraft to the European country. The deal included 40 F-35s and 42 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines.
