The U.S. State Department has given the go-ahead for the potential sale of Aerosonde drones and armored vehicles to Greece, valued at approximately $130 million.
Greece's acquisition request includes a number of Aerosonde uncrewed aircraft systems equipped with anti-spoofing modules and Global Positioning Systems.
Additionally, the request includes M1117 wheeled armored security vehicles, MK19 grenade machine guns, and spare parts, though specific quantities remain unspecified.
According to a press release from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, "The proposed sale will enhance Greece's capabilities to deter both current and future threats, bolster coalition operations, and increase interoperability with the United States."
Textron Systems, headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, is the primary contractor for this potential transaction, with no offset agreements reported.
Aerosonde Drone Details
Specially designed for both land and sea-based expeditionary operations, the 80-pound (36.4-kilogram) drone can support missions with a 20-pound (9-kilogram) payload, contributing to tasks such as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and communications relay.
The drones payload capacity accommodates full-motion cameras, electronic warfare systems, radar, 3D mapping, voice communications relay, and network capabilities. It boasts a range of 140 kilometers (87 miles) and can operate continuously for over 14 hours.