Aircraft deal to be sealed before new year

Greece's purchase of Rafale fighter jets, whose acquisition is expected to be approved by the Greek Parliament next week, was discussed on Tuesday by Greek Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos and his French counterpart Florence Parly.

The French minister, who also discussed wider bilateral relations with Panagiotopoulos, will visit Athens shortly after Parliament's approval of the purchase, most likely on December 17, in order to sign the supply contract. 

Her visit is scheduled to take place before Christmas, on December 19-20, a plan that is, of course, subject to possible changes due to the pandemic.

In any case, it is the expressed will of both parties that the deal be inked before the new year.

The total contract for the supply of 18 Rafale fighters (12 used and six new), fully armed with Meteor, SCALP and Exocet missiles, is expected to amount...