Greece military plans modernization of its F-16 fleet: Report

Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Greece plans to modernize its fleet of F-16 fighters and then acquire F-35 aircraft from the Unite States at a later date, according to a news report.

The publication Ekathimerini, quoting unidentified aides of Defense Minister Panos Kammenos, said the decision was taken in line with recommendations made by military chiefs.

Ekathimerini reports that in addition to upgrading existing F-16s and notifying the United States of its interest in procuring the F-35, Greece will also seek maintenance for the military's S300 long-range surface-to-air missile systems.

A letter of request for modernizing the F-16s was signed by Kammenos on Tuesay.

Upgrading Greece's entire fleet of F-16s will cost between $1.7 billion and $2 billion, according to the report, and would be paid over a period of time.

A deal for the maintenance of the S300 missile systems is not yet clear.

Greece has a total of 155 F-16C and F-16D aircraft.