State Dept. Approves Possible Sale of Surface Combatant to Greece

WASHINGTON — The State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Greece of Multi-Mission Surface Combatant ships and related equipment for an estimated $6.9 billion, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Dec. 10. 

Greece has asked to buy four MMSC ships and associated systems and equipment including combat management systems, sensors, communications equipment, weapons, weapon launchers, munitions and boats.  

The sale also would include “software delivery and support, facilities and construction support, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, test and trials support, studies and surveys and other related elements of logistical and program support,” the announcement said.   

“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 announcement said. “The proposed sale will improve Greece’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing an effective combatant deterrent capability to protect maritime interests and infrastructure in support of its strategic location on NATO’s southern flank. This acquisition, which will be awarded to the winner of an international competition for Hellenic Navy frigate modernization, will enhance stability and maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean region and contribute to security and strategic objectives of NATO and the United States. Greece contributes to NATO operations in Kosovo, as well as to counterterrorism and counter-piracy maritime efforts. Greece will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. 

“Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of approximately eight additional U.S. government and 22 U.S. contractor representatives to Greece to support engineering and logistics support for the production and integration of Hellenic Future Frigates into the Hellenic Navy fleet,” the DSCA said. 

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin of Bethesda, Maryland. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the Saudi Multi-Mission Surface Combatant program.