The Times of Israel reports: “Greek lawmakers approved late on Thursday the purchase of 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Israel for about 650 million euros ($757.84 million), two officials with knowledge of the issue told Reuters.

Greece has said it will spend about 28 billion euros ($32.66 billion) by 2036 to modernize its armed forces as it emerges from a 2009-2018 debt crisis and tries to keep pace with its historic rival, Turkey.

‘In a closed session, the parliament’s defense committee approved the purchase of PULS,’ a senior official with knowledge of the issue told Reuters.

A second official confirmed the parliament’s approval, adding that the cost would be around 650 to 700 million euros. Reuters reported in November that Greece was in talks with Israel for the systems.

Greece and Israel have strong economic and diplomatic ties, have conducted several joint exercises in recent years, and operate an air training centre in southern Greece…”