| Addressing the Greek interest in
an advanced trainer to replace the ageing T-2E (Buckeye), the
Italian Aermacchi already secured close cooperation with Hellenic
Aerospace Industries (HAI) for cooperation on the M346 program.
BAE systems is also a strong contender, being able to an attractive
integration between the Hawk and future Typhoon programs. Other
trainers displayed here included the Russian Yak-130, Aero L-159
from the Czech Republic and Golden Eagle T-50 pitched by a joint
venture between Lockheed Martin and Korean Aerospace Industries
(KAI).
Acquisition of NH-90 helicopters, assault, configured for
special operations and combat, search and rescue roles is also
underway. Among the 20 NH-90s recently ordered from Eurocopter,
four are configured for special operations; another four will
be used for combat search and rescue and medical evacuations.
Also on the Greek shopping list are three SH-70B and eight new
(yet unspecified) transport helicopters. 12 C-27J medium transports
are on order. The total cost of all aerospace systems is well
over 5 billion Euros. Upgrading the current fleet of F-16 Block
30/52 is also included in the program.
The multi-year plan includes support for several programs based
on unmanned systems. Funding of 100 million Euros is allocated
for an unspecified Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (Greece is
supporting the French-Swedish Neuron UCAV program). The Greek
army also plans to improve its air defense suppression capability
by acquiring more anti-radiation missiles and EW capable UAVs
designed for SEAD missions. Self protection capabilities will
also be improved, with installation of better ECM and decoys
with to all helicopters, and transports. The Hellenic Navy is
also planning to modernize its maritime patrol capabilities,
with the introduction of five new maritime patrol aircraft.
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