US approves foreign military sale of F-16 sustainment materiel and services to Greece.

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece of F-16 Sustainment Materiel and Services and related equipment for an estimated cost of $270 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on August 3.

Follow Air Recognition on Google News at this link

 Hellenic Air Force F-16D (Picture source: SSgt Thomas Trower)

The Government of Greece has requested to buy U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services for F-16 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP), F-16 Aircrew Training Device (ATD), Low Altitude Targeting and Infrared for Night (LANTIRN), and Reconnaissance (RECCE) Pods support programs; aircraft classified and unclassified aircraft software and software support; Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) software support; Joint Mission Planning Software (JMPS) support; participation in Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program (ECISAP), International Engine Management Program (IEMP), and technical coordination groups; other aircraft and engine hardware and software modifications and support; spare and repair/return parts and equipment; personnel training and training equipment; publications, manuals, and technical documentation; and other related elements of aircraft maintenance and program support. The total estimated value is $270 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally, which is an important partner for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The proposed sale will improve Greece’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing agile logistics support to its F-16 program, encompassing aspects of aircrew training and aircraft maintenance. The ability to provide this level of support to the F-16 program will increase its inter-operability with NATO forces and enhance its ability to provide for security of its borders. Greece has demonstrated a continued commitment to modernizing its military and will have no difficultly absorbing this additional sustainment support into its armed forces.

The principal contractors for this proposed sale are L3/Harris International, Melbourne, Florida; Lockheed- Martin Aero Corporation, Fort Worth, Texas; Collins Aerospace, Charlotte, North Carolina; Northrop Grumman Corporation, Falls Church, Virginia; Raytheon Company, Waltham, Massachusetts; and Atec, Incorporated, Houston, Texas.