Greece has received the first three Patriot PAC-2 launchers on loan from the US. The Greeks have ordered 32 launchers (with options for 16 more) for delivery in 2001, but the deal included borrowing older launchers until the new ones were available.--Stephen V Cole

The US Army is ready to approve full-scale development of the Stinger Block II missile, the latest improvement in the venerable shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile. The Block II missile will be able to acquire targets at longer range and give the gunner a clearer view through clutter. Original plans were for 23,000 Block IIs (a mix of new missiles and rebuilt older ones) but this is expected to be sharply reduced due to the lower perceived threat.--Stephen V Cole