Greece has approved the purchase of 35 UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters from US defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. According to Reuters, the announced purchase opens a new stage in the modernization of the Greek armed forces, UNN reports .
The deal, approved by a parliamentary committee, involves the purchase of 35 helicopters for €1.15 billion ($1.24 billion)
The deal was agreed late Tuesday this week, the source said.
Greece wants to upgrade its defense industry and increase shipbuilding, people familiar with the government's plans tell the news agency. The country's government is setting out to recover from a decade-long debt crisis that has forced Greece to cut spending.
The government has developed a multibillion-dollar, 10-year procurement plan that includes the purchase of up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the United States and three frigates from France.