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The agreement under discussion between Athens and Paris for the purchase of 18 Rafale fighters (with the ratio of young to used is not yet clear) is considered part of the broader understanding between Greece and France. (Photo: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ / STR)
The Greek-Turkish crisis has reasonably heated up the scenarios for strengthening the Armed Forces, which practically have to sign new agreements for the supply of main equipment for almost 15 years. The greatest burden of the crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean is known to the units of the Navy. The fleet has developed for almost two months throughout the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean, as a result of which the problems that need to be addressed immediately have become more apparent. For the NP It is a fact that in the event of non-renewal of the main surface units, the fleet in 2030 will consist of four aged MEKO frigates. The other nine Dutch shipyards, type “S”, have completed almost or even forty years of service and it is certain that in a decade they will not be able to be active, since they have gone through all the possible improvements. Possible damage to an “S” type frigate automatically means a PN resource in the aftermarket aftermarket parts, as most of them are no longer manufactured. Indicative of the current situation is that the first discussions for the renewal of the fleet began in the early 2000s, that is, approaching twenty years.
The minimum additions required for the NP to play its role in the East. Mediterranean, and budget holders have been notified in various ways, are four new frigates, four corvettes and the modernization of existing MEKO-type frigates. At the end of the decade, a few additional frigates could be acquired, but the above units are absolutely necessary, if Athens is to remain effective in the geopolitical game that has made the Eastern Mediterranean one of the hottest areas on the planet. . The decade also appears to be the key planning moment in which the government moves forward to strengthen the arsenal of the Armed Forces.
As “K” has said repeatedly, the Ministry of National Defense has received a number of proposals from interested parties to supply the PN. with frigates, new or used, as part of an intermediate solution (France, Germany, USA, Great Britain, Spain, etc.).
In fact, Athens seeks a balance that provides solutions and reflects the political alliances that Greece is forming at the moment, but also existing ones. In this sense, it seems that the strengthening of the fleet has as two main “suitors” the United States and France, without excluding the entry of other players in case there are developments with the Scaramanga and Elefsina Shipyards. It is even possible that, in some way, the timely supply of four Israeli-designed and ship-built “Themistocles” -type ships (described as too small for corvettes and too large for rocket launchers) will be promoted in Syros. As for the interim solution, according to discussions between those responsible, it does not need to be limited to one ship. A deal could lead to the provision of strategic missiles, surveillance systems and even unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with increased capabilities.
On the contrary, discussions on strengthening the Air Force’s capabilities appear to be moving faster, the most striking case being the French Rafale, a substrategic aircraft, as it carries weapons that can deliver strategic blows. Although the agreement between Athens and Paris by 18 Rafal (with the ratio of young people to used is not yet clear) is under discussion, it seems that both parties consider it part of the broader Greco-French understanding and, therefore therefore, they promote its implementation. . The Rafals used will be of the previous configuration type F2 and the new F3. Even in the case of used Rafals, it is impossible for them to join the AP. before the pilots are trained, who, except for the unexpected, will come from Mirage-2000 squadrons. In addition, it is necessary to create the appropriate infrastructure. Even in the most optimistic scenario, Rafal cannot join the AP. before eight months to a year, with a more likely time period, however, of up to 18 months to two years. At the same time, the 84 F-16 upgrade program is in progress, while, based on the exchange of letters over the past two years, Greece has also expressed interest in fifth-generation American F-35 fighters.
It goes without saying that there is a general convergence of views on the promotion model of the agreements. In general, transnational agreements are favored to circumvent the rather inflexible legal framework, which was extremely reasonable for the period in which it was legislated, but which is currently creating obstacles and delays. Finally, it is observed that despite the unquestionably good intentions, the success of the talks focused on defense cooperation (arms and defense industry) with Israel is significantly delayed.
