After successfully completing the acquisition of French Rafale fighter jets, the Hellenic Air Force has now received its 30th upgraded F-16.
On January 15, US-based Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-16, announced the delivery of the 30th F-16 “Viper” to the Hellenic Air Force, adding that this upgrade “strengthens Greece’s defense and its ability to operate seamlessly with allied forces.”
Greece is in the process of modernizing its F-16 Block 50/52 fighter jets to the advanced Viper standard, bringing them in line with the capabilities of the latest F-16 Block 70/72 models.
The upgrade initiative began in 2017 when the Trump Administration formally notified Congress about the potential sale of up to 123 Viper upgrade kits to Greece.
After negotiations, the two nations agreed on a total of 83 kits, allowing for major enhancements to Greece’s aging F-16 fleet, with the project estimated to cost around US$1.5 billion.
The first two upgraded F-16Vs were delivered in September 2022, with the full upgrade program expected to be completed by late 2027. The modernization is being carried out by the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI), with Lockheed Martin overseeing the process.
The F-16 Viper upgrade features several critical enhancements, including a modified Digital Flight Control Computer, which provides Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance and Pilot Activated Recovery System capabilities.
Other major upgrades involve the APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, Modular Mission Computer (MMC-7000AH), Advanced Data Transfer Equipment, and improved Center Pedestal Displays.
Additionally, the jets will feature the APX-126 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe system with Mode 5 capability, Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation System, SNIPER provisions, PaveWay II interfaces, and updated Link-16 communication capabilities.
The F-16s have long been a cornerstone of Greece’s air force. The country’s F-16 program began in 1984 when Greece sought to replace its aging fleet of F-5A/B Freedom Fighters.
The Greek government signed the first contract, Peace Xenia I, in January 1987, and the first aircraft arrived in 1989.
Since then, Greece has acquired 170 F-16s across various blocks, including 30, 50, and 52. As of now, Greece operates approximately 154 F-16s, which constitute the bulk of its 221 in-service fighter aircraft, according to the US Congress.
Greece Strengthens Air Power With Upgraded F-16s, Rafales & F-35s
The delivery of upgraded F-16 fighter jets comes right after the completion of Rafale deliveries. The Rafales are undoubtedly the flagship of the Hellenic Air Force’s current fleet.
Greece’s first Rafale contract, signed in January 2021, included 12 used and 6 new aircraft at a total cost of about US$2.7 billion. This sum covered the jets, weapons, and training.
By March 2022, Athens expanded its Rafale order with an additional six jets, bringing the total to 24, and plans are reportedly in place to purchase at least 10 more.
As part of Greece’s broader modernization strategy, the country has also unveiled plans to retire several of its older aircraft, including the early-model F-16s, Mirage 2000 fighters, and the last remaining squadron of F-4E Phantoms.
These aging jets, now largely phased out from frontline service, could attract attention on the secondhand market. In particular, there have been reports suggesting that some of the older F-16s may be transferred to Ukraine to support its defense efforts.
However, the Rafales and upgraded F-16 Vipers are not the only additions to the Greek Air Force’s arsenal. In July 2024, Greece signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the US government to acquire 20 F-35A fighter jets through a Foreign Military Sale. This agreement also includes an option for an additional 20 aircraft.
This modernization effort holds particular importance against the backdrop of the ongoing Greek-Turkish rivalry in the Aegean.
Curiously, Turkey had originally planned to procure a fleet of at least 100 F-35s long before Greece entered the picture, only to be sidelined from the program due to its controversial purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense systems.
That being said, the Hellenic Air Force’s modernization efforts are largely driven by the need to counter Turkey’s expanding military influence in the eastern Mediterranean.
A key concern for Greece is the potential impact of the Russian-made S-400 system, which could pose major challenges to its air operations. The acquisition of F-35s is viewed as a critical strategy to mitigate this threat and maintain air superiority in the region.
Turkey currently enjoys a numerical advantage in fighter jets, and while it may not receive F-35s, it is developing its homegrown TF Kaan next-generation fighter.
Additionally, there are reports that Turkey might acquire Eurofighter Typhoons, which would challenge the Greek Rafales. Yet, these jets would still lag behind the F-35s in terms of stealth capabilities and overall versatility.
- Contact the author at ashishmichel(at)gmail.com
- Follow EurAsian Times on Google News
