Washington DC, 18 March 2023 (TDI): The United States (US) Department of State has approved a possible foreign military sale of Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) to the Government of Greece, for an estimated cost of $268 million.
.@StateDept authorizes a Foreign Military Sales #FMS case for #Greece to purchase up to 76 Assault Amphibious Vehicles and related equipment for an estimated cost of up to $268 million. 🇺🇸🇬🇷 #FMSUpdate — https://t.co/vF2jRQkih1 pic.twitter.com/ly2ohG6PpW
— Political-Military Affairs, US Dept of State (@StateDeptPM) March 17, 2023
The proposed sale includes 63 Personnel Variant AAVP-7A1s, 9 Command Variant AAVC-7A1s, 4 Recovery Variant AAVR-7A1s, and 63 50-Caliber Machine Guns (Heavy Barrel).
Also included are MK-19 Grenade Launchers, M36E T1 Thermal Sighting Systems, training, technical manuals, technical data, engineering support, logistics support, and other related elements.
Significance of this sale
The proposed sale is intended to improve the security of a NATO ally and help Greece meet current and future threats.
Moreover, Greece will be able to protect its maritime interests and infrastructure and contribute to NATO operations, counterterrorism, and counter-piracy maritime efforts. In the same vein, the sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Furthermore, there is no principal contractor associated with the sale, and it will not require the assignment of US Government personnel. However, one contractor representative will be needed to deliver the vehicles, equipment, and support.
The proposed sale is required by law and is based on initial requirements, so the actual dollar value may be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s).
To cut it short, the sale is not expected to have an adverse impact on US defense readiness.
In summary, the proposed sale of AAVs and related equipment to Greece will improve the country’s defense capabilities and help it fulfill its role as a NATO ally. The sale is a positive step towards improving regional security and stability.
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For the record, the US Department of State has been supporting Greece through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
Under this program, the US has sold various military equipment and weapons to Greece, including advanced aircraft, missiles, and armored vehicles.
The US has also provided Greece with training and technical support to help them effectively use this equipment.
Greece as a part of NATO
Greece has been a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) since 1952, and it is an important partner for political stability and economic progress in Europe.
As a NATO member, Greece has contributed to various operations, including those related to peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and counter-piracy efforts.
The country’s strategic location on NATO’s southern flank also makes it an important player in protecting maritime interests and infrastructure.
Greece has been a key ally in the region, and its participation in NATO has helped strengthen the alliance’s collective defense capabilities.
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