The activation of 12 armament programs that concern all the staffs of the Armed Forces was approved by the majority of the Armament Programs and Contracts Committee of the Parliament.
The F16 Block 50 upgrade program to Block 52, the maintenance of three C130s and the acquisition of 50 Harpoon anti-ship missiles stand out. It is recalled that in the recent past the US had refused to release these missiles to Greece.
In total, the members of the parliamentary committee, after the relevant suggestion of the political and military leadership of the Ministry of National Defense, gave the “green light” to a total of 12 armament programs. The 7 programs concern the General Staff of the Hellenic Air Force and in addition to the upgrade of the F-16s, they provide for the acquisition of 40 RGM missiles, shooting missiles, etc.
For the General Staff of the Navy, 3 programs are activated for the supply of battle batteries, spare parts for fast patrol guided missiles, etc.
For the General Staff of the Army, two programs were approved for the acquisition of individual passive type binoculars, etc.
According to information during the discussion, SYRIZA and PASOK – Movement for Change expressed strong protest as the Greek Defense Industry will not be involved in the F-16 upgrade and maintenance programs of the C-130. For its part, the Ministry argued that alternatives were preferred over ODA as the programs must be implemented quickly and without delays. Note that the C130 will be serviced in Israel.
The same sources state that finally the 12 programs were voted by ND, PASOK – KINAL and Hellenic Solution (did not vote for the upgrade of C130). SYRIZA supported the programs except for the upgrade of F16 and C130 while KKE and MeRA25 voted against.
