Israel Will Train And Modernize Greek Military Until 2043

Illustration of Elbit Systems alert military equipment. (Wikimedia Commons/Tio Skill)

JAKARTA - The Israeli authorities announced that they had signed a defense cooperation agreement with Greece, with the value of cooperation called the largest.

In its announcement on Sunday, April 18 local time, Israel said that this cooperation would strengthen political and economic relations between the two countries. This includes a joint training plan for the Air Forces of the two countries.

The agreement includes a $ 1.65 billion contract, for the establishment and operation of a training center for the Hellenic Air Force (Greece), by Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems over a 22-year period, the Israeli Defense Ministry said.

The training center will emulate Israel's aviation academy, equipped with 10 M-346 training aircraft manufactured by Leonardo Italia, the ministry said.

Elbit will supply equipment to upgrade and operate Greek T-6 aircraft and also provide training, simulators, and logistical support.

"I believe (this program) will enhance the capabilities and strengthen the economies of Israel and Greece, so that the partnership between our two countries will deepen at the defense, economic and political levels", said Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, as reported by Reuters Monday, April 19.

The announcement follows a meeting in Cyprus on Friday between the foreign ministers of the UAE, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, who agreed to deepen cooperation.

The Israeli and Greek Air Forces on Sunday launched joint exercises in Greece, the Israeli military said.

In at least one previous exercise in Greece, Israeli warplanes trained against the S-300, Russia's air defense missile system installed in Crete. Russian-made air defense systems are also deployed in Syria and Iran, Israel's enemies.