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Greece will receive 63 assault amphibious vehicles and equipment under a possible US$268 million foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
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The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified US Congress of the deal on 17 March.
The government of Greece would acquire the assault amphibious vehicles (AAVs), an armoured personnel carrier variant known as AAVP-7A1, nine of the AAV command variants, four of the AAV recovery variants, 63 of the heavy barrel 50-calibre machine guns, MK-19 grenade launchers, M36E T1 thermal sighting systems, parts and support, technical services, transportation and program support.
The tracked amphibious landing vehicles have previously been used as an amphibious troop transport by the United States Marine Corps. Each vehicle can be used to transfer troops from ship to shore, conduct amphibious assault on beaches or secure coastline for incoming troops.
A US State Department spokesperson said the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
“This proposed sale will improve Greece’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing an effective capability to protect maritime interests and infrastructure in support of its strategic location on NATO’s southern flank,” the spokesperson said.
“Greece contributes to NATO operations, as well as to counterterrorism and counter-piracy maritime efforts.
“Greece will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
“There is not a principal contractor associated with this potential sale. Consequently, there are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.”
