The Israeli and Greek defense ministries have signed an agreement that will see Israeli company Elbit Systems establish and operate an international flight training center for the Hellenic Air Force.
The $1.68 billion agreement will include the procurement of ten Aermacchi M-346 aircraft and maintenance of Texan T-6 aircraft currently in service with the Hellenic Air Force.
Also included are the provision of simulators, training & logistic support for a period of approximately 20 years.
The program calls for Elbit Systems to deliver training aircraft fleets equipped with its avionics and embedded training solutions, supply its flight simulators and training aids and provide through-life logistical support.
“This agreement reflects the excellent and developing relations we have with Greece. It is a long term partnership that will serve the interests of both countries,” Israel’s defense minister Benjamin Gantz commented.
“We are honored to have been selected to provide such an important capability to the Hellenic Air Force, which we believe will contribute to the further strengthening of the bi-lateral relationship between Israel and Greece,” Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, president and CEO of Elbit Systems, added.
