Greece Weighs Acquisition of 30 U.S. Apache Attack Helicopters

Greece is considering the acquisition of 30 AH-64D Apache onslaught helicopters that volition beryllium decommissioned by the U.S. Army, according to a study by Zona Militar.

The craft are portion of a fleet of astir 100 units inactive successful operation, and section reports bespeak that the program has already been approved by the Hellenic Army General Staff, though it has yet to beryllium formally submitted to the U.S. Defence Cooperation Office (ODC) successful Athens.

According to reports, Lieutenant General George Kostides, Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff, is expected to research the imaginable acquisition during the AUSA 2025 defence accumulation successful Washington. The projected woody would apt impact 2 batches of 15 helicopters each, obtained done the Excess Defence Articles (EDA) programme — a mechanics that would let Greece to person the craft escaped of charge, covering lone transport costs. However, Athens is expected to look contention from different allied nations seeking the aforesaid models.

Greek defence sources suggest that not each 30 helicopters would beryllium enactment into service. Some would beryllium dismantled to supply spare parts, a important measurement fixed that the AH-64D variant volition soon halt receiving authoritative U.S. enactment arsenic newer models participate service.

The determination comes successful effect to the debased operational availability of Greece’s existent Apache fleet, which consists of 28 helicopters — 19 AH-64A and 9 AH-64D models. Many person go inoperable owed to shortages of spare parts and harm sustained during the 2023 flooding of Stefanovikeio Air Base, wherever portion of the fleet is stationed.

Beyond the Apache proposal, Greece is reportedly eyeing further surplus U.S. defence platforms done the EDA program, including armored combat vehicles, arsenic portion of its broader modernization effort. Progress connected these acquisitions has been delayed by the lack of a U.S. ambassador successful Athens — a concern expected to alteration with the accomplishment of Kimberly Guilfoyle, confirmed for the station connected September 18.