The agreement for the acquisition of 18 French-made Rafale aircraft was announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his speech in Parliament when voting the 2021 budget.
"I announce that in the coming days we will sign the agreement for the procurement of 18 Rafale fighter jets," Mitsotakis said.
"Our country will acquire new frigates, anti-submarine helicopters, drones and F16 upgrade," the prime minister continued.
"The equipment of the military will be upgraded. Human resources will be strengthened with 15,000 professionals in the next 5 years. The new budget has forecasts for all this," Mitsotakis stressed.
The Greek leader continued addressing the leader of the official opposition, Alexis Tsipras:
"I am sorry that your party and you personally, that in these moments when you call on us to be stricter with Turkey, you do not dare to vote for these funds," he highlighted.
"The official opposition does not support today, going against the tradition of the funds for the reinforcement of the Armed Forces," he said.
"What is the explanation? Did the leftist voices prevail?" Mitsotakis questioned.
According to Proto Thema, the agreement will probably reach Parliament on Thursday, while the Minister of Defense of France, Florence Parly, is also expected in Greece.
The agreement will be ratified at the beginning of the new year after the pre-contractual audit by the Court of Auditors.
