ATHENS — Greece is set to acquire up to $4 billion worth of U.S. weapons, military equipment and support services under a new Foreign Military Sales (FMS) arrangement aimed at modernizing the Hellenic Armed Forces.
The package was announced after the sixth U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue in Athens on October 7. The meeting was co-chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis. The two countries said the planned acquisitions will support Greece’s long-term defense planning and strengthen interoperability between their armed forces.
Key Elements of the Package
According to details reported by Kathimerini, about $1.2 billion will be allocated for missiles and precision-guided bombs for Greece’s existing F-16 fleet and its 20 ordered F-35 fighter jets. F-35 deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2029.
Around $1 billion is expected to fund the upgrade of 37 F-16 Block 50 fighters to the Viper standard. Greece already has 83 F-16s undergoing or having completed Viper modernization, with that program scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027.
Between $800 million and $900 million is expected to support Greece’s older, non-upgraded F-16s.
The package also includes continued logistical and technical support for Greece’s MH-60 naval helicopters and UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. Black Hawk deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, while Greece ordered 35 Black Hawks in 2024.
Stryker Armored Vehicles
The joint statement also confirmed that the United States will provide Stryker armored vehicles to Greece. However, it did not specify the number, variants or delivery schedule.
It is also unclear whether the Strykers are included in the announced $4 billion package.
Earlier reports said Greece was interested in obtaining used Strykers from U.S. Army stockpiles through the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program. Under that arrangement, Greece would cover transportation, repair and refurbishment costs. The vehicles were reportedly being considered for units stationed on islands in the eastern Aegean.
Greece has also previously expressed interest in HIMARS FLEX rocket systems and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), but there is no official confirmation that these systems are included in the latest package.
Wider U.S.-Greece Cooperation
Beyond the defense purchases, the two countries finalized Greece’s participation in the U.S. National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program, linking the Greek military with the Florida National Guard.
The United States and Greece also agreed to expand cooperation in defense industry technologies, law enforcement, counterterrorism and efforts to address illegal migration.
The new package adds to Greece’s ongoing defense modernization programs, including its F-35 acquisition, F-16 Viper upgrades and UH-60M Black Hawk procurement.
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