Elbit Could Pip CAE to Build Pilot Training School for Greece

Greece and Israel have ended five-month negotiations for the latter to build a pilot training school in Kalamata city for €1.365 billion.

Defense Ministry sources told Greek publication Kathimerini on Tuesday that Athens is likely to pick Israeli firm Elbit Systems’ offer, over the one by Canada’s CAE. The Israeli proposal amounts to €1.365 billion for a period of 22 years, while Canadian offer is valued €1.254 million for a period of 20 years.

The program will be implemented through a transnational agreement with Israel with financial leasing.

The work involves upgrade of helicopter training systems, aircraft maintenance and modernization of simulators.

Greece also plans to lease two Israeli “Heron” surveillance drones to bolster its intelligence gathering abilities during its current cold” conflict with Turkey.