According to Defencereview.gr, advanced-level negotiations are underway between the Army General Staff (AGS) and the French defense contractor NEXTER (KNDS). These discussions center around a comprehensive French proposal for the acquisition of VBCI Philoctetes wheeled vehicles, aimed at meeting the operational needs of the Greek Army. The AGS is closely monitoring these negotiations, showing a positive stance towards the new French proposal submitted a few weeks ago, which is expected to be discussed and approved at an upcoming Supreme Military Council (SMC) meeting.
NEXTER’s proposal, spanning over 100 pages, outlines a complete financing package from French financial institutions backed by state guarantees. It details the procurement of 200 VBCI Philoctetes Wheeled Armored Combat Vehicles (TOMA) for the Greek Army, with provisions for local co-production. The proposal not only covers the initial acquisition but also includes an additional 50 specialized TOMAs to fulfill various operational roles such as administrative support, medical units, Mobile Repair Teams (MRT), and artillery observers.
An interim solution offered in the proposal addresses immediate operational needs. It suggests the quick delivery of 120 used VBCIs from the reserves of the French Army, leading to a total acquisition of 350 – 370 TOMAs, with 250 being new units. The proposal emphasizes the involvement of the Greek defense industry in the project, with METKA and Hellenic