The State Department approved a possible $500 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Greece for P-3B aircraft overhaul and upgrade plus associated equipment, parts, training, and logistical support. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the potential sale on Oct. 6.
The primary contractor would be Lockheed Martin [LMT] if Congress approves the deal.
The requested sale includes modification and reactivation of two P-3B aircraft and the upgrade of up to five that would include structural Mid Life Upgrades (MLU), Phased Depot Maintenance (PDM), Mission Integration and Management Systems (MIMS), and new flight avionics. The MLU kits provide service life extensions for 15,000 flight hours, spare and repair parts, repair and return, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, and personnel training and training equipment. It also includes U.S. Government and contractor logistics, engineering, technical support services, and other related logistics and program support elements.
The proposed FMS would allow the Hellenic Navy (HN) to resume operations of its P-3B aircraft for land-based maritime patrol and reconnaissance, surveillance, and protection of areas of national interest. In a statement, DSCA noted this would contribute to the national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally.
The HN would have no difficulty absorbing the equipment, although implementation would require multiple trips to Greece by U.S. government and contractor representatives over a seven year period for delivery, system checkout, training, and program reviews.