Greek parliament approves major arms deals with France

By DEREK GATOPOULOS
Associated Press

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece’s government has secured parliamentary approval for a 3 billion euro ($3.4 billion) agreement for three new French-made warships. Defense officials say the frigates are vital for addressing ongoing tensions with neighboring Turkey. Lawmakers also voted Tuesday in favor of adding six new Rafale fighter jets to an existing order for 18 planes. NATO members Greece and Turkey remain at odds over maritime boundaries and mineral exploitation rights in the Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean. A Turkish oil and gas survey in 2020 resulted in a tense naval standoff between the two countries. Greece’s defense minister says military needs to modernize following funding cuts during the country’s 2010-18 financial crisis.