Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Greece, France Finalize $2.8 Billion Fighter Jet Deal

Anthee Carassava

   ATHENS - Greece and France have sealed a $2.8 billion deal for the
   purchase of 18 Rafale fighter jets for the Greek air force. The deal is
   part of a larger weapons purchase program that Greece is carrying out
   as it sits down to negotiate a solution to a growing dispute with
   Turkey over energy rights in the eastern Mediterranean.

   The deal makes Greece the first European country to acquire the
   state-of-the-art Rafale jet fighters, made by France's Dassault
   company.

   It is also the first major arms purchase Greece has made since it
   emerged from a 10-year financial crisis that imposed some of its most
   brutal budget cuts on its armed forces.

.