US Approves Aerosonde Drone Sale to Greece
The US State Department has officially approved the potential sale of Aerosonde uncrewed aircraft systems and armored vehicles to Greece, with the deal estimated to be around $130 million. The procurement request from Athens includes an unspecified number of Aerosonde drones, which are equipped with advanced anti-spoofing modules and Global Positioning Systems to enhance operational capabilities.
In addition to the drones, Greece has also requested a quantity of M1117 wheeled armored security vehicles, MK19 grenade machine guns, and various spare parts. This move is seen as a significant step in strengthening Greece’s defense capabilities.
Enhancing Defense Capabilities
According to a press release from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the proposed sale aims to bolster Greece’s ability to deter both current and emerging threats. It is also expected to support coalition operations and improve interoperability between the Greek military and the United States.
The potential sale is particularly noteworthy as it reflects the ongoing commitment of the US to support its allies in enhancing their defense systems amid rising regional tensions.
Textron Systems: Primary Contractor
Textron Systems, headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, is designated as the primary contractor for this potential sale. Currently, there are no known offset agreements associated with this transaction, which typically involve the contractor offering additional benefits to the purchasing country.
The involvement of Textron Systems indicates a strong reliance on American technology and support in enhancing Greece’s military infrastructure.
Aerosonde Drone Specifications
The Aerosonde drone is designed for versatile operations across both land and sea. Weighing 80 pounds (36.4 kilograms), it is capable of carrying a payload of up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms), making it suitable for a variety of missions including intelligence operations, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and communications relay.
With a range of 140 kilometers (87 miles) and an operational endurance of over 14 hours, the drone’s capabilities include full-motion cameras, electronic warfare systems, radar, three-dimensional mapping, and voice communications relay. These features make it a valuable asset for modern military operations.