“In a closed session, the parliament’s defence committee approved the purchase of PULS,” a senior official with knowledge of the issue told Reuters. A second official confirmed the approval and said the cost would be “around 650 to 700 million euros.”
Reuters previously reported that Greece had been in talks with Israel over the systems, which are made by Elbit and have a range of up to 300 kilometres. Officials said the acquisition will help protect Greece’s northeastern border with Turkey and islands in the Aegean, while the deal also includes the construction of components in Greece.
Greece and Israel have strengthened economic and diplomatic ties in recent years, conducting several joint exercises and operating an air training centre in southern Greece. Greece is also discussing with Israel the development of a 3 billion euro anti aircraft and missile defence dome.
Greece and Turkey, both NATO members, remain at odds over maritime boundaries, energy exploration, airspace over the Aegean and the status of Cyprus. The new rocket systems are part of Greece’s effort to maintain military readiness amid these long running disputes.
Source: Reuters.
