Greece in Advanced Talks for PULS Rocket Artillery Systems

ATHENS (Reuters) – Greece is in advanced talks to buy 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Israel as it aims to modernize its armed forces, two officials reported on Friday.

The discussions involve a deal worth approximately 600-700 million euros ($630 million-$735 million) and come amid ongoing negotiations for Israel to sell Greece a 2-billion-euro anti-aircraft and missile defense dome.

According to the officials, Greece's government plans to submit the deal to a parliamentary committee for approval in the first quarter of 2025.

Athens has formulated a multi-billion, 10-year purchasing plan that includes acquiring up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. and four frigates from France.

The PULS system, manufactured by Israel's Elbit, has a range of up to 300 km (190 miles), and the agreement also includes the construction of components in Greece.

Additionally, one official noted that the country’s top decision-making body on foreign affairs and defense matters, KYSEA, approved the procurement of U.S.-made Switchblade drones manufactured by AeroVironment (NASDAQ:AVAV).

Most of the new artillery systems will be deployed to protect Greece's northeastern borders with Turkey and its islands in the Aegean, said a second official.

Greece and Turkey, both NATO allies, have a history of disputes over issues including continental shelf boundaries, energy resources, Aegean flights, and the ethnically divided island of Cyprus.

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