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US Approves Potential $80 Million Sale of Kamikaze Drones to Greece
🇬🇷 Greece /Technology

US Approves Potential $80 Million Sale of Kamikaze Drones to Greece

From Kathimerini · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale of Switchblade kamikaze drones to Greece for an estimated $80.1 million.
  • The sale aims to enhance Greece's security, its ability to deter threats, and its interoperability with the U.S. within NATO.
  • The package includes various drone systems, targeting equipment, spare parts, and training services provided by AeroVironment Inc.

The U.S. State Department announced Thursday its approval of a potential sale of Switchblade 300 Block 20 Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile Systems, commonly known as kamikaze drones, to Greece. The estimated cost of this proposed deal is $80.1 million.

According to the State Department's announcement, this sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security interests. It is intended to bolster the security of a key NATO ally, which the U.S. views as a crucial factor for political and economic stability in Europe. The agreement is expected to significantly improve Greece's capabilities in deterring current and future threats, participating in allied operations, and enhancing its interoperability with the United States.

The comprehensive package includes Switchblade 600 systems, GPS units with anti-jamming and spoofing protection, fire control systems for the Switchblade 600, battery chargers for both Switchblade 300 Block 20 and Switchblade 600 models, spare parts, and field training services. Additionally, the deal encompasses engineering, technical, and logistical support from both the U.S. government and the manufacturer.

The primary contractor for this proposed sale is the California-based company AeroVironment Inc., headquartered in Simi Valley.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathimerini in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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