Greece Seeks Advanced Secret US Missiles to Boost Air Force

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During the sixth round of the Greece-US Strategic Dialogue in Athens, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Greece is seeking to finalise a major package of advanced weapons for its F-35 and F-16 Viper fighter jets.

According to well-informed sources cited by Ta Nea, Athens has already prepared and submitted its official Letter of Request for Price and Availability (LoR for P&A), making the weapons package a central issue on the bilateral agenda and seeking US approval for the systems.

The package includes advanced air-to-air, air-to-ground and anti-ship weapons that could significantly strengthen Greece’s long-range strike and deterrence capabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean.

AIM-260: Greece seeks the F-35’s long-range air-to-air weapon

At the centre of the discussions is the highly classified AIM-260 JATM, an advanced air-to-air missile designed to fit inside the internal weapons bays of stealth fighters.

The missile represents the US response to the development of long-range Chinese air-to-air weapons. International analysts estimate its range at more than 200 kilometres, with some estimates placing its potential reach considerably higher.

If approved for Greece, the missile would give Greek F-35s a long-range air-combat capability while allowing them to carry the weapon internally and preserve the aircraft’s stealth characteristics.

Greece is also seeking the AIM-120D AMRAAM, one of the US military’s most advanced medium- to long-range air-to-air missiles.

The AIM-120D offers an extended engagement range, networked capabilities and two-way data links.

For shorter-range engagements, the package includes the AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II/II+, which provides advanced close-range targeting capabilities and allows pilots to engage targets using helmet-mounted cueing systems.

JASSM-ER gives Greece a long-range strike capability

The package also includes the AGM-158B JASSM-ER, a stealthy air-launched cruise missile designed for long-range strikes against high-value targets.

With a reported range of around 1,000 kilometres, the JASSM-ER would give Greek aircraft the ability to engage targets deep inside hostile territory while launching from outside the effective range of many air-defence systems.

The package also includes SDB II StormBreaker precision glide bombs.

Despite their relatively small size, the weapons can engage stationary and moving targets at significant distances. Their guidance systems allow them to operate against targets in difficult conditions, including poor visibility and adverse weather.

Harpoon adds an anti-ship capability

For maritime deterrence in the Aegean, Greece is seeking the air-launched AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile.

The missile flies at very low altitude over the sea and can engage major surface vessels at ranges exceeding 120 kilometres, according to the report.

The weapon would complement the capabilities of Greece’s upgraded F-16 Viper fleet and strengthen its ability to counter naval targets.

US approval will determine quantities and cost

The weapons package is now moving through the political stage of the negotiations, according to well-informed sources cited by Ta Nea.

However, the final Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) process will determine the quantities and final cost of the weapons.

Athens also faces potential constraints linked to US weapons stocks, particularly for the JASSM-ER.

According to the report, US demand for the missile has increased following its use in recent military operations connected with the Iran crisis.

The Greek Air Force wants the weapons destined for its F-16 Vipers to begin arriving as soon as possible, while Greece aims to have its advanced weapons ready for the first Greek F-35 squadron toward the end of the decade.

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