Greece has announced it will strengthen its armed forces. Following tensions with Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean, Greek Prime Minister Kiriakos Mitsotakis said they would buy 18 French Rafale fighter jets, four frigates and four helicopters for the navy.

“The time has come to reinforce the armed forces… these initiatives constitute a robust programme that will become a national shield,” Mitsotakis said.

The armament program will include new anti-tank weapons, torpedoes for the navy and missiles for the air force.

Greek Prime Minister Kiriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron met on September 10, 2020, for Rafale jets Greece wants to buy from France.

The country also plans to add 15,000 new troops to its armed forces over the next five years.