USIA - Greece, Spain Ask To Buy Defensive Missile Equipment , (96-07-15)

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From: The United States Information Agency (USIA) Gopher at <gopher://gopher.usia.gov>

GREECE, SPAIN ASK TO BUY DEFENSIVE MISSILE EQUIPMENT

(Purchases would total $185 million) (290)

The department announced July 12 that the Greek government wants to upgrade its air-to-air and air-to-ground aircraft missile capabilities by purchasing 84 AGM-88B-HARM ground-to-air-missiles and associated launch computers, as well as 50 AIM 120-B advanced medium range air-to-air missiles, modification kits to upgrade Greek Air Force F-16 radars and other support equipment. The estimated cost of these purchases is $90 million.

Greece also wants to buy 40 army tactical missiles, launching assemblies and support equipment for $60 million. According to the department, this would be the first sales of such missiles to Greece, and will provide its army with an area fire system for use against hostile artillery, air defense and maneuver elements.

The Defense Department says that the materiel supplied under these two requests will be provided in accordance with and subject to the limitations on use and transfer of the Arms Export Control Act. It also said the sales "will not adversely affect the military balance in the region or U.S. efforts to encourage a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus question."

Defense also said that Spain has asked to buy 100 AIM-7P Sparrow missiles and support equipment worth an estimated $35 million.

These missiles will arm F-18 aircraft, enhancing the Spanish Air Force's air-to-air defenses. The Pentagon says the purchase will not affect the military balance in the region and will have no adverse impact on U.S. defensive readiness.

From the United States Information Agency (USIA) Gopher at gopher://gopher.usia.gov

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