| Hellenic Air Force | |
|---|---|
| |
 Hellenic Air Force badge | |
| Founded | 1912; 113 years ago (1912)[1][2] |
| Country |  Greece |
| Branch | Air force |
| Role | Aerial warfare |
| Size | Approx. 42,500 personnel 635 aircraft 8 types of air defence systems |
| Part of | Hellenic Armed Forces |
| Nickname | HAF |
| Patron | ArchangelsMichael andGabriel |
| Mottos |
|
| Colours | |
| Anniversaries | 8 November |
| Engagements | |
| Website | www |
| Commanders | |
| Chief of Air Force General Staff | Air MarshalDimosthenis Grigoriadis |
| Notable commanders |
|
| Insignia | |
| Roundel |  |
| Fin flash |  |
| Aviator badge |  |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Bomber | F-4 Phantom II |
| Fighter | F-16,Rafale,Mirage 2000 |
| Helicopter | CH-47,NH90,AS332,Bell UH-1 |
| Reconnaissance | Embraer R-99,Pegasus II,Heron TP |
| Trainer | M-346 Master,P2002 Sierra,T-6 Texan II, |
| Transport | C-27J Spartan,C-130B/H,Falcon 7X,ERJ-135,Gulfstream V |
TheHellenic Air Force (HAF;Greek:Πολεμική Αεροπορία,romanized: Polemikí Aeroporía,lit. 'Military Aviation', sometimes abbreviated asΠΑ) is theair force ofGreece (Hellenic being theendonym forGreek in theGreek language). It is considered to be one of the largest air forces inNATO, and is globally placed 18th out of 139 countries.[3][4] Under theKingdom of Greece from 1935 to 1973, it was previously known as theRoyal Hellenic Air Force (RHAF) (Ἑλληνικὴ Βασιλικὴ Ἀεροπορία,Ellinikí Vasilikí Aeroporía).
The Hellenic Air Force is one of the three branches of theHellenic Armed Forces, and its mission is to guard and protect Greek airspace, provide air assistance and support to theHellenic Army and theHellenic Navy, and to provide humanitarian aid in Greece and around the world. The Hellenic Air Force includes approximately 33,000 active troops, of whom 11,750 are careerofficers, 14,000 are professionalsoldiers (ΕΠ.ΟΠ.), 7,250 are volunteer conscripts, and 1,100 are women. The motto of the Hellenic Air Force is theancient Greek phraseΑἰὲν Ὑψικρατεῖν (Aièn Hypsikrateîn, 'Always Dominate the Heights'), and the HAF emblem represents a flying eagle in front of the Hellenic Air Forceroundel. The General Air Staff (GEA) is based at the Papagou Camp in the Municipality of Filothei - Psychiko of the Prefecture of Attica.
In 1911, theGreek Government appointed French specialists to form theHellenic Aviation Service. Six Greek officers were sent to France for training, while the first four Farman type aircraft were ordered. All six graduated from the Farman school inÉtampes nearParis, but only four subsequently served in aviation. The first Greek civilian aviator that was given military rank wasEmmanuel Argyropoulos, who flew in aNieuport IV.G. 'Alkyon' aircraft, on 8 February 1912. The first military flight was made on 13 May 1912, by LieutenantDimitrios Kamberos. In June, Kamberos flew with the 'Daedalus', aFarman Aviation Works aircraft that had been converted into aseaplane, setting a new average speed world record at 110 kilometres per hour (68 miles per hour). In September of the same year, theGreek Army fielded its first squadron, the 'Aviators Company' (Greek:Λόχος Αεροπόρων).
On 5 October 1912, Kamberos flew the first combat mission, areconnaissance flight overThessaly. This was on the first day of theBalkan wars. On the same day a similar mission was flown byGerman mercenaries inOttoman service, over theThrace front against theBulgarian Army. The Greek and the Ottoman missions, coincidentally flown on the same day, were the first military aviation missions in the history of conventional war. As a matter of fact, all Balkan countries used military aircraft and foreign mercenaries during the Balkan Wars.
24 January 1913, saw the first naval co-operation mission in history, which took place over theDardanelles. Aided by theRoyal Hellenic Navy, destroyer RHNSVelos, 1st LieutenantMichael Moutoussis and EnsignAristeidis Moraitinis flew the Farman hydroplane and drew up a diagram of the positions of the Turkish fleet, against which they dropped four bombs. This was not the first air-to-ground attack in military history, as there was a precedent in the Turkish-Italian war of 1911, but the first recorded attack against ships from the air.
Initially, theHellenic Army and the Royal Hellenic Navy operated separate Army Aviation and Naval Aviation units. During the Balkan Wars, various French Henry and Maurice Farman aircraft types were used. TheHellenic Naval Air Service was officially founded in 1914 by the then Commander in Chief (CnC) of the Royal Hellenic Navy, BritishAdmiral Mark Kerr. Greek aviation units participated inWorld War I and theAsia Minor Campaign, equipped by theAllies with a variety of French and British designs.
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In 1930, the Aviation Ministry was founded, establishing the Air Force as the third branch of theHellenic Armed Forces. The Hellenic Army Air Service and Hellenic Naval Air Service were merged into a single service, the Royal Hellenic Air Force. In 1931, theHellenic Air Force Academy, theIcarus School (Greek:Σχολή Ικάρων), was founded.
At the end of 1936, Greece ordered 36 PolishPZL P.24 fighter aircraft, which entered service with the 21st, 22nd and 23rd Pursuit Squadrons and after completion of deliveries in 1938, formed the core of the RHAF fighter force. The planes were well armed; 12 planes of the P.24F version had 2 machine guns and 2 20mm autocannons, the remaining 24 planes of the P.24G version had 4 machine guns.
In 1939, an order for 24Marcel Bloch MB.151 fighter aircraft was placed, but only nine of the aircraft reached Greece, since the outbreak ofWorld War II prevented the French from completing the order. The aircraft entered service in the 24th Pursuit Squadron (MD –Moira Dioxis) of the air force.
During theItalian invasion of Greece (1940-1941) in the Second World War, although being severely outnumbered and counting only 79 aircraft against 380 fighters and bombers of the ItalianRegia Aeronautica,[5] RHAF managed to successfully resist the assault. On 30 October, two days after the start of the war, there was the first air battle. SomeHenschel Hs126s of 3/2 Flight of 3 ObservationMira took off to locate Italian Army columns. But they were intercepted and attacked byFiat CR.42 Falcos of 393aSquadriglia. A first Henschel was hit and crashed, killing its observer,Pilot Officer Evanghelos Giannaris, the first Greekaviator to die in the war. A second Hs126 was downed overMount Smolikas, killing Pilot Officer Lazaros Papamichail andSergeant Constantine Yemenetzis.[6] On 2 November 1940, aBreguet 19 intercepted the3 Alpine Division Julia while it was penetrating thePindos mountain range in an attempt to occupyMetsovo. On the same day, 2nd LieutenantMarinos Mitralexis having run out of ammunition, aimed the nose of hisPZL P.24 right into the tail of an enemyCANT Z.1007bis bomber, smashing therudder and sending the aircraft out of control.[7]
After 65 days of war, the RHAF had lost 31 officers, seven wounded, plus fourNCOs killed and five wounded. Meanwhile, the number ofcombat aircraft had dropped to 28 fighters and 7 battle-worthy bombers.[8] By March 1941, the Italian invasion on air and ground had been successfully pushed back, aided by the vital contribution of the RHAF to the Greek victory. During theGreco-Italian War the Royal Hellenic Air Force shot down 68 enemy aircraft (official records) and claimed another 24. TheBritish RAF claimed 150 additional air victories against Italian aircraft. However, the Italian Air Force recorded only 65 aircraft lost, during the entire campaign against the Greeks and later the British, with 495 additional aircraft reported as damaged.[9]
In April 1941, theGerman Wehrmacht invaded Greece in order to assist the Italian assault. During this second wave of foreign invasion, theLuftwaffe eventually succeeded in destroying most of the Royal Hellenic Air Force. However, some aircraft managed to escape to the Middle East,[7] including fiveAvro Anson, oneDornier Do 22, oneArado 196, and threeAvro 626.
During the German occupation of Greece, the Air Force was rebuilt under the expatriated Greek Air Force Ministry based inCairo. Three squadrons were built, operating under the command of the BritishRAF. These squadrons were the13th Light Bombing Squadron flyingAvro Ansons,Bristol Blenheims, andMartin Baltimores, and the335 and336 Fighting Squadrons flyingHawker Hurricane I and IIs andSpitfire V types. The RHAF squadrons in theMiddle East flew a variety of missions, including convoy patrols, anti-submarine search, offensive patrols, reconnaissance, attack and interception of enemy aircraft. In Summer 1943, the Greek squadrons participated in the attack against the German Wehrmacht on the island ofCrete, and then from May to November 1944 in Italy. During those years, seventy Greek pilots were lost.[10]
DuringWorld War II, Greek pilots who were flying with the RAF achieved many victories.Rhodesian-born Wing CommanderJohn Agorastos Plagis shot down 16 enemy aircraft over Malta and Western Europe. Lieutenant Vasilios Michael Vassiliadis was credited with 11.5 enemy aircraft over Western Europe before he was killed in action on 15 March 1945, over Germany.Steve Pisanos, an immigrant to the US in 1938, joined anEagle Squadron of American volunteers in the RAF and fought over Western Europe. He later joined theUSAAF and acquired US citizenship and continued to fly with the same squadron, now part of theUSAF 4th FG. He had achieved ten victories with the USAAF by 1944.
After Greece's liberation in 1944, RHAF returned to Greece and subsequently played a decisive role in theGreek Civil War, which lasted until 1950. By then, it was re-equipped withSupermarine Spitfire Mk.IX, Spitfire Mk.XVI fighters, andCurtiss SB2C Helldiver bombers.
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After the end of the Greek Civil War in November 1950, Greece sent sevenDouglas C-47 Dakota transport aircraft of the 13th Transport Aircraft Squadron toSouth Korea to assist theUnited Nations (UN). Greek aircraft participated in many battles includingBattle of Chosin and operated in Korea until May 1955. Greek pilots flew thousands of missions including air evacuations, personnel transport, intelligence gathering, and supply flights. In 1952 Greece joinedNATO, and the Air Force was rebuilt and organised according to NATO standards. New aircraft, including jets, were introduced.
The firstjet fighter flown by the RHAF was theRepublic F-84G Thunderjet in 1955. It was also flown by the first Air Force aerobatic team337 SQ 'Hellenic Flame' (Greek: Ελληνική Φλόγα). The RF-84F entered service with the348 Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron in 1956. Although the F-84G was replaced by theCanadair Sabre 2 in 1954 and 1955 after one-hundred units were retired from theRoyal Canadian Air Force and upgraded in theUnited Kingdom before entering service with the RHAF, the RF-84F remained in service until 1991. TheLockheed T-33 was also delivered as a trainer in 1955. Some RT-33s were used for reconnaissance missions.
In the late 1960s, the RHAF acquired new jet aircraft. These included theConvair F-102 Delta Dagger (in service 1969–1975), theLockheed F-104G Starfighter, and theNorthrop F-5 Freedom Fighter. The F-104 and F-5 stayed in service until the mid- to late 1980s.
In the mid-1970s, the Hellenic Air Force was further modernised with deliveries of theDassault Mirage F1CG fleet, theVought A-7 Corsair II (including a number of TA-7Hs), and the first batch ofMcDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs.
In 1993, theUnited States Air Force delivered sixty-two additional A-7Es and TA-7Cs increasing further the air-to-ground capabilities of the HAF. These aircraft remained in service until 2011.[11]
Until the late 1980s, the Air Force deployed missiles armed with U.S. nuclear warheads using theLTV TA-7C Corsair II. As a result ofGreco-Turkish tension caused by the 1974Turkish invasion ofCyprus, the U.S. removed its nuclear weapons from Greek and Turkish alert units to storage. Greece saw this as another pro-Turkish move by NATO and withdrew its forces from NATO's military command structure from 1974 to 1980.
In March 1985, the Greek government announced the purchase of thirty-four F-16C and six F-16DBlock 30 variant in the 'Peace Xenia I' modernisation programme. In the same month, Greece ordered thirty-six single-seatMirage 2000EG and four two-seatMirage 2000BG, as part of the 'Talos' modernisation programme.
Subsequently, in 1989, the first fourth-generation fighter jets were introduced, marking the beginning of a new era: the firstMirage 2000 EG/BG aircraft were delivered to the114 Combat Wing inTanagra air force base, and equipped the331 and332 squadrons. In January 1989, the first F-16C/D Block 30 arrived in111 Combat Wing inNea Anchialos air force base, and were allocated to the330 'Thunder' and346 'Jason' interceptor squadrons inLarissa air force base.[12][13]
On 29 March 1991, theRF-84F were retired from service after 34 years and 7 months of operational life. In November 1992, moreRF-4Es were delivered to the348 'Eyes' Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron.
In 1993, the 'Peace Xenia II' modernisation programme began. Greece ordered thirty-two F-16C and eight F-16D,Block 50 variant. The first Block 50 was delivered on 25 July 1997. These aircraft, equipped with theLANTIRN navigation and targeting pod, along withAIM-120 AMRAAM andAGM-88 HARM missiles, were allocated to the341 'Arrow' and347 'Perseus' squadrons inNea Anchialos air force base. The basic mission of 341 'Arrow' squadron isSuppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD). The role of 347 'Perseus' squadron is air-to-ground missions.
In 1998, Greece decided, in collaboration with theGerman Aerospace Industry (DASA) and theHellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI/EAB), to upgrade thirty-nineF-4E Phantom II fighters. The first aircraft was delivered atAndravida Air Base in December 2002. This aircraft, which was namedPrincess of Andravida (s/n 72-01523), was unique because it did not have theM61 Vulcan gun installed. All upgraded F-4s were equipped with the newAN/APQ-65YG radar similar to that of theF/A-18 Hornet, a new onboard Mission Control Computer (MCC), ahead-up display (HUD), theidentification friend or foe (IFF) interrogator,multi-function displays, and were also capable of carrying a variety of advancedair-to-air andair-to-ground missiles. These included theAIM-120 AMRAAM (although only the -B edition), theAIM-9M missile, theautomated flight-director system (AFDS), and the entire family of thePaveway (I, II and III)laser-guided bombs. These aircraft were theF-4E Peace Icarus 2000 (PI2000) or F-4E Phantom II AUP (Avionics Upgrade Programme) variants. Although gradual retirement of F-4 units started in 2017, they are still operational in multi-role missions with the338 Squadron 'Ares' and the339 Squadron 'Ajax' based inAndravida air force base.[14] The F-4E Phantom II PI2000 (AUP) has been certified for use ofGBU-27 Paveway IIIlaser-guided bombs, making the aircraft an excellent and modern platform for precision strikes.
In 2000, Greece decided to purchase a large number of fighters to replace the remaining non-upgraded F-4E Phantoms, a number of A-7 Corsairs, and the fleet of Mirage F1CGs. An order for sixtyF-16 Block 52 Plus was placed.[15] The order was for fifty single-seaters of the C version and ten two-seaters of the D version.
Until 2001, Greece participated in NATO'snuclear weapons sharing, using the A-7 Corsair II to deploy tacticalB61 nuclear warheads fromAraxos Air Force Base. Greece then strategically decided to remove all nuclear weapons under storage in Greece, and did not purchase any more aircraft with nuclear mounting capabilities.
In September 2004, Greece also decided to upgrade all of its existing Mirage 2000 to theMirage 2000-5F (Mk2) standard, and place an additional order for fifteen new Mirage 2000-5Mk2 aircraft.[15] The project was undertaken byDassault Aviation and the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI/EAB). The Mirage 2000-5Mk2 has a new and more powerful radar, improved long range air-to-ground capabilities which includes theSCALP EGcruise missile, a new self-protection system (SPS), a newinertial navigation system (INS), aglass cockpit, and the addition ofaerial refuelling capability.
Eventually in 2005, HAF was officially the first air force in the world[16] to add the F-16 Block 52 Plus to its inventory, since the first aircraft were delivered. This advanced F-16 type is an improved version of the Block 50, featuring a more powerful radar,conformal fuel tanks for longeroperational range, advanced communication systems, an upgraded engine,Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), and is capable of carrying more advanced weapons, including theIRIS-Tair-to-air missile. Three squadrons are operating with this type of F-16. These squadrons are the337 'Ghost' inLarissa air base, the340 'Fox', and the343 'Star' inSouda air base.[17]
In 2007, the Greek government ordered an additional thirty F-16 fighters; twenty single-seaters and ten two-seaters. However this time, the aircraft variant was theF-16C/D Block 52+ Advanced, that had been specifically modified for the Hellenic Air Force and offered as F-16 52M by Lockheed Martin, due to the improved computing power of the onboard mission computer (MMC).[18] The difference between the Block 52+ and the Block 52+ Advanced, is theLINK 16 communications system of the Advanced version, as well as a more powerful mission control computer, an extramulti-function display with a movable map navigation, advanced debriefing system, and the capability to carry the RECCE reconnaissance pod. The first aircraft were delivered in May 2009, and operated by the335 'Tiger' squadron at Araxos air base.[19][20]
Due to the retirement & obsolescence of units that had concluded their operational cycle (A-7E Corsair II &F-4 Phantom II), HAF was looking forward to acquiring new4th,4.5th, or5th generation fighters, and, at the same time, maintain a total number of three-hundred advanced fighters, also according to the Supreme Air Force Council's2007–2012 operational planning - published in 2007. Candidates for the new generation aircraft were theDassault Rafale,F-35 Lightning II,F/A-18E/F Super Hornet,MiG-35, and theSukhoi Su-35.[21]
During theGreek economic crisis (2008-2018), budget cuts forced HAF to ground many of its F-16s due to lack of spare parts & maintenance. In 2015, Greece placed an order for provision of spare parts in support of itsF-16, F/RF-4E,C-130H/B,C-27J, T-6A/C, and other aircraft with systems / sub-systems of U.S. origin. The estimated cost of this order was $160 million. In addition, some long-awaited programmes were rescheduled for the future. The HAF modernisation programme estimated in 2007 that a purchase of forty-five advance training aircraft, fifteensearch and rescue (SAR) helicopters, and forty-to-sixty new fighters was necessary. Some of these programmes were either postponed or, eventually, cancelled.
The Hellenic Air Force currently possesses several fighter types and is in the process of obtaining new ones. The HAF currently consists of severalF-4s, several variants of theF-16,Mirage 2000s, andRafales.[22] As well, Greece is in the process of obtaining severalF-35s. In March 2024, Defence MinisterNikos Dendias announced that the F-4s will be retired and the older F-16s & Mirage 2000s will be sold off, streamlining the HAF.
This streamlining can be of benefit to other countries, such as India, which may buy the older Mirage jets. As well, the older F-16s may be sold to Ukraine, which is in desperate need of new aircraft.[23]
In November 2024, the Hellenic Air Force announced that obsolete Russian air-defence systems, such as the S-300,TOR-M1 &Osa-AK would be phased out. These will be sent toArmenia, which can maintain them, as well as Ukraine, which wants Western systems.
This will de-Russify the Greek arsenal and help Armenia, and these systems will likely be replaced by Israeli air-defence systems.[24]
Theairborne early warning and control (AEW&C) in the current fleet is theEmbraer E-99 fitted with theSAAB Erieye radar. This was introduced over twenty five-years ago, and it is ageing. SAAB has offered the "Erieye ER" upgraded radar, or the buying of the newGlobalEye as a replacement for these old aircraft. This is still unconfirmed.[25]
During the latter part of the Greek Economic Crisis, HAF after years of austerity decided to modernize the aging fighter fleet. It dedicated resources for the upgrade of the fleet of its existing Mirage 2000 and F-16 fighters. In 2018,Lockheed Martin was contracted to upgrade eighty-four F-16C/D Block 52+ and Block 52+ Advanced (Block 52M) to the latestF-16C/D Block 70/72 (F-16V Viper) standard,[26] bringing capabilities to the fleet only available in5th generation fighters such as theF-35 Lightning II. This upgrade was also considered by HAF as an essential first step for future compatibility with the F-35 fighter. Though HAF originally planned to upgrade all of its 123 Block 50/52+/52+ Advanced fighters[27] and leave the Block 30 to receive parts of the upgraded ones, due to lack of funds, HAF decided to proceed with only Block 52+/52+ Advanced. After that, the Hellenic Air Force General Staff seemed to have decided to upgrade Block 50s to Block 50Ms (for Modernized), using equipment from the upgraded, without any final conclusion as of September 2024.[28][29] The upgrade programme is scheduled to be completed by 2027, and carried out exclusively in Greece byHellenic Aerospace (HAI). As of September 2025, 42 aircraft - half of the total aim - have been upgraded.[30][31][32][33][34][35]
In addition, Block 30s were decided not to receive any kind of modernization. Various proposals were made about selling them in Croatia, Lockheed Martin, USAF/USN or UAE.[36][37][38][39] As of September 2024, there was no change in their status, remaining active, althoughDefense MinisterNikos Dendias has stated that Greek government is interested in selling them.[40]
Latest decisions on the 38 Block 50s point out that they are going to be upgraded to Viper standard, giving a total of 121 Vipers instead of the in-base modernization that was planned from spare equipment of Block52+/52+ Advanced. The Greek government has already sent a letter of request, awaiting answer even in September, 2024, for cost and availability. One major point of the agreement is where the upgrade will take place. HAF has request proposals for both, in-base upgrade in111 Combat Wing inNea Anchialos air force base, as well as inHellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) in Tanagra, among the other aircraft. Officials claim that upgrades in 111 Combat Wing will be less costly, plus there will be two production lines, making Block 50 to Block 70 Vipers conversions faster.[41][42][43]
In April 2019, as part of the selection process for the new HAF5th generation fighter, Greece selected theLockheed Martin F-35 as a replacement of its older F-16 Block 30s or F-4 Phantoms, and as complementary to the F-16V upgrade programme. The timeline for acquisition of the new aircraft, depended mainly on the country's fiscal plans and Washington's ability to offer a long-term payment framework.[44][45] At the same time, theUS Pentagon confirmed Greece as one of five countries to be considered as potential new customers.[46]
In January 2020, Greece formally expressed interest in acquiring and participating in the F-35 programme, following a visit by Greek Prime MinisterKyriakos Mitsotakis to theWhite House. A figure of twenty aircraft was initially floated, to be acquired following successful completion of the upgrading of the Greek F-16 fleet in 2027.[47][48]
However, reports in September and October 2020, claimed that Greece could receive at least six F-35 jets much earlier, originally built for Turkey before its ouster from the programme, after the latter conducted tests of the S-400 missile systems purchased fromRussia.[49] In late-October 2020, it was made public that theUnited States and Greece had further discussed the sale of eighteen to twenty-four F-35 jets to Greece, duringU.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit toAthens earlier that month. The following month, Greece officially addressed aletter of intent (LoI) to theUS Pentagon.[50] In that LoI, Greece even showed interest in acquiring usedUSAF jets, if that meant initial deliveries could be agreed as early as 2021.[51] According to earlier reports from Greek national dailyEstia on 19 October however, an optimistic scenario would mean that the first six aircraft could only arrive in Greece by 2022, at the earliest.
On 30 June 2022, Greece's prime minister confirmed that the country has sent a request to the United States for the purchase of twenty F-35s, with the option of buying a second group of jets also being examined. The expected delivery date is 2027–2028.[52]
On 27 January 2024, it was announced that the USA approved the sale of 40 F-35s to Greece. These will replace ageing aircraft such as the F-4. This was on the same day as Turkey's approval to buy 40 F-16Vsand 79 modernisation kits for its F-16Cs.[53] The procurement of 20 aircraft was approved by the Hellenic Parliament on 27 June 2024.[54] Greece signed the relevant Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LoA) on 25 July 2024.[55]
TheC-130B/H variants are coming to the end of their service lives and will need to be replaced soon. As announced in January 2023, the Hellenic Air Force is in talks to potentially buy theEmbraerC-390 Millennium from the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer. A potential option of retired C-130Js from theRoyal Air Force orRoyal Australian Air Force did not produce any results, neither the two C-130H from the USAF that were promised by the US diplomatAntony Blinken as a free-of-charge package of help via EDA, as costs to return into flight status were significant high.[56][57][58]
Despite this, there is no conformation of any purchase, and talks are ongoing.[59][60]
In August 2020,Greece announced the acquisition of eighteenRafale multi-role aircraft fromFrance.[61][62] Initial reports stated that ten would be the new C-built Rafale F3-R version, and eight would be older F1 & F2 versions already in use with theFrench Air Force, that would be given to Greece free-of-charge.[63] However, later reports stated that all eighteen aircraft would be the new F3-R version, and would replace an equal number of older Mirage 2000EGM aircraft, that had not been previously upgraded to the 2000-5 Mk2 version.[64] Finally in January 2021, the official agreement withDassault Aviation was ratified in parliament, and included the purchase of six newly built, and twelve 'slightly used' F3-R aircraft in previous service with theArmée de l'Air, for a total cost of €2.4 billion, including their armament and ground support.[65][66][67] Theodoros Lagios, Director General of Armament and Investments of the Greek Ministry of Defence (MoD), and Éric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, signed the contracts in Athens on 25 January.[68]
In June 2021, Dassault Aviation released the first photographs of Rafale F3R of the Hellenic Air Force, bearing the HAFroundel andfin flash,[69] and in July, the first aircraft was officially delivered to Greece. The aircraft were commissioned to the332 'Falcon' All-Weather Squadron, previously operating with Mirage 2000EGM/BGM jets.
On 11 September 2021, Prime MinisterKyriakos Mitsotakis announced the purchase of six additional Rafale, bringing the total order number to twenty-four.[70] Greece officially signed the new contract for the acquisition of six additional new Rafale aircraft on 24 March 2022, which follows Greece's acquisition of Rafales in January 2021, and increased number of Rafales to be operated to twenty-four aircraft.[71][72]
In 2019, Greece reached an agreement withIsrael for the lease, with an option to purchase, of two-plus-oneIAI Heronunmanned aerial vehicles.[73] These aircraft would be utilised by HAF and theHellenic Navy in land and marine border patrol missions. Greek Herons include a unique maritime configuration with sensors and communications designed to monitor the extensive water borders of Greece.
In addition, in November 2020, the Greek multinational companyIntracom Defense Electronics (IDE) was placed head of a consortium that included theAristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUT), theUniversity of Patras, as well as many other Greek and European companies fromCyprus,Spain, and theNetherlands, for the design and construction of stealthswarm drones, codenamed Project LOTUS (Low Observable Tactical Unmanned System).[74][75] It was noted that two types of drones will be built as part of Project LOTUS. The first will be the 'mothership', a large drone with stealth characteristics,[76] to be designed by the AUT based on theHCUAV RX-1 andDelaer RX-3 prototype designed by the university's Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics and Turbomachinery (LFMT).[77] The rest will be smaller swarm drones built in large numbers, linked to, and supported by the mothership.[78] These endogenous aircraft will be primarily used in border and maritime patrol missions, high value target reconnaissance and surveillance, while utilisingdata-fusion technologies to cooperate with HAF's future4.5 and5th generation fighters. According to IDE, the air force could completely cover its operational needs within a 5-year plan.[79] On 9 June 2021, theHellenic MOD approved the project for development, as part of sixteen other multi-national and European projects that were examined and approved by MOD technical staff.[80]
In July 2022, the Hellenic Air Force signed a deal withGeneral Atomics to obtain threeGeneral Atomics MQ-9B Sea Guardian UAVs. These will enhance the maritime surveillance capability of the air force, as each aircraft can remain in the air for forty hours, although no purchase has made up to September 2024.[81]
Turkish drones frequently violate Greek airspace, and they can overwhelm Greek air defences. It is difficult for the likes of a Greek F-16 to engage aBaykar Bayraktar TB2 if it enters Greek airspace four times a day. For this reason,Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel is providing the Drone Dome, a system of electronic devices. These can disrupt the communications and GPS signals of the TB2. This can deny Greek airspace to Turkish drones in the event of a war and even eliminate them with a 10 kW laser.[82]
The defence firmHellenic Aerospace Industry unveiled the new Archytas UAV at the Thessaloniki International Fair in September 2022. This is a fixed-wing UAV in a pusher configuration, with four additional motors to allow the aircraft to take-off and land vertically. Archytas is primarily designed for surveillance by the armed forces. However, it can also be used by civil defence agencies, and can be armed with up to 14 kilograms (31 pounds) of weapons. It has a range of 300 kilometres (186 miles), a top speed of 120 kilometres per hour (75 miles per hour), and a four-hour flight endurance.[83]
It has been announced that the first GreekUCAV is under development named "Grypas", after the legendary animal. The project is led by HAI, with the collaboration of several universities such as the Democritus University of Thrace. Large scale production is expected to start in 2025.[84]
In international politics, the antagonism betweenGreece and Turkey has made it imperative for HAF to maintain parity withTurkish Air Force (TAF). HAF and TAF pilots have engaged in mockdogfights over theAegean Sea for years, with some turning deadly; such as the1996 shooting down of a Turkish F-16 by a Greek Mirage 2000, and the 2006 crash of a Greek F-16 where Greek pilot attempted a move to escape the Turkish F-16 and subsequently crashed into the Aegean sea with the pilot losing his life.[85][86]
The regional balance of power in the eastern Mediterranean was inevitably affected during theGreek government-debt crisis.[87] However, it was subsequently restored, influenced by negative developments in Turkey's F-35 programme in 2019,[88] rise of diplomatic tensions inTurkey-US bilateral relations during the same period,[89] and at the same time, the decision of Greece to direct funds towards the upgrade of its existing F-16 and Mirage 2000 fleet, and eventually to acquire new4.5 generation fighters in 2020. By 2023, several Rafale jets have been delivered, as well as the upgrade of F16s to the Viper variant.
HAF is also tasked for the defence of Cypriot airspace, asCyprus Air Command has no combat jet capabilities. HAF aircraft have to be able to reach the island and remain over Cypriot airspace for prolonged periods of time and possibly under combat conditions. The distance between the nearest Greek air base on the island ofCrete andCyprus is about 700 kilometres (435 miles). Furthermore, HAF seeks to have the ability to strike at distances of more than 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) from itsairbases. To that effect in September 2020, during increased tensions between Greece and Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean amidst Turkish attempts to conduct hydrocarbon exploration in disputed waters,[90] Greek F-16 fighter jets taking off fromCrete reached and landed on the island of Cyprus for the first time in almost 20 years, participating in joint drills together withCyprus andFrance, and successfully returning to their home base after.[91]
In May 2019, the defence ministers of Greece andRepublic of North Macedonia signed a military agreement, for the policing and patrolling of North Macedonia's airspace by Greece.[92] The agreement also included other areas such as military technology,cybersecurity, intelligence and air traffic control, all provided by the Hellenic Air Force.[93] Since 2017, Greece andItaly also provide, in rotation, policing of the airspaces ofAlbania andMontenegro. Additionally, as part of Greece's conventional obligations withinNATO, HAF andUSAF aircraft cooperate in a variety of missions, from air patrolling, to ground target marking, and provision of air defence training to allied Balkan countries.[94]
As part of multilateral arrangements, Greece remains in close military cooperation with countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region and thePersian Gulf, includingIsrael,Egypt,Jordan, theUnited Arab Emirates (UAE), andSaudi Arabia.[95] On 14 September 2021, the Hellenic Air Force deployed a fully equipped battery ofMIM-104 Patriot missiles to Saudi Arabia as part of the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Concept.[96] According to official statements,Athens andRiyadh had agreed on the deployment of the Hellenic Force of Saudi Arabia (HFSA) consisting of the MIM-104 Patriot System and 120 men with their relevant gear and infrastructure for an unspecified length of time,[97] to guard "critical energy infrastructures".[98]
In September 2020, Greece and the UAE conducted common air superiority drills in the eastern Mediterranean region, which lasted almost three weeks.[99] As the two air forces share very similar types of fleets, and following these common exercises, the two countries signed a mutual defence agreement[100] further reinforcing bilateral military and political ties.
In December 2020, Greece and Israel came closer to a €1.4 billion agreement over twenty years,[101] for the creation of the International Air Force Training Centre (IAFTC) in the Greek city ofKalamata.[102][103] The IAFTC will provide advanced training to new Greek and Israeli military pilots, as well as lease services to international air force customers, utilising theAlenia Aermacchi M-346 Master jet trainer[104] that will replace theNorth American T-2 Buckeye. The main Israeli company committed to the investment isElbit Systems. The International Air Force Training Centre (IAFTC) officially opened in October 2022, with fourteenBeechcraft T-6 single-engine turboprop aircraft, with M-346 and additional T-6 to join in the near future.[105]
In May 2021 the deal was signed, and since 2023, theInternational Flight Training Center (IFTC) is in operation, housed within theKalamata Air Base.[106][107][108]
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| Aircraft | Origin | Type | Variant | In service | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat aircraft (217) | ||||||
| Rafale | France | Multirole | Rafale EG F3-R Rafale DG F3-R | 18[109][110][111][112] 6[109][113] | ||
| F-16 Fighting Falcon | United States | Multirole | F-16C F-16D | 113[114] 39[114] | 39 variants provideconversion training.[115] 83 aircraft have been designated for upgrade to theF-16V (Viper) variant by 2027.[116] | |
| Mirage 2000 | France | Multirole | 2000-5EG Mark II 2000-5BG Mark II | 19[114] 5[114] | 16/2 Mirage 2000 EGM/BGM were given back toDassault in 2023 as part of the Rafale deal. 10Mirage 2000EG in storage.[109] | |
| F-4 Phantom II | United States | Fighter-bomber | F-4E PI 2000 | 17[114] | Will be soon retired | |
| F-35 Lightning II | United States | Multirole | F-35A | 0 | 20 on order + 20 option[117] | |
| AWACS (4) | ||||||
| Embraer EMB-145H | Brazil | Airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) | R-99A | 4[114] | Also known as "Ericsson Erieye". | |
| Maritime patrol (1) | ||||||
| Lockheed P-3 Orion | United States | Maritime patrol /ASW | P-3B | 1[114] | ||
| Transport (29) | ||||||
| Lockheed C-130 | United States | Tactical airlift | C-130B C-130H | 5[109] 10[109] | Greece could possibly acquire up to 4 new C-130J/J-30 Super Hercules to replace the older C-130B. Another 2 C-130H were acquired through EDA but costs of returning into flight status deemed high.[118][119][120][121] May be replaced byEmbraer C-390 Millennium[122] | |
| Alenia C-27J | Italy | Tactical airlift | C-27J | 8[114] | 12 originally ordered, the last 4 were cancelled. | |
| Dassault Falcon 7X | France | VIP transport | 7X | 1[123] | Granted free of charge byDassault Aviation, it aims to fulfill an obligation not met by France following the Mirage 2000-5 contract signed in 2000. | |
| Gulfstream V | United States | VIP transport | G500 | 1[124] | ||
| Embraer EMB-135 | Brazil | VIP transport | 135LR/BJ | 1[124] | A second Embraer ERJ-135 has been donated to Cyprus since September 2022.[125] | |
| Super King Air | United States | Air ambulance FIA | 350ER King Air 360 King Air | 2[114] 1[126] | The two 350ERs are operated on behalf ofMinistry of Health.[127] The third one is equipped with flight inspection systems (FIS) and is used for aerial surveillance andRNAV procedures.[126] | |
| Trainer aircraft (67) | ||||||
| Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master | Italy | Jet trainer | M-346 Block 5+ | 10 | [128][129] | |
| Beechcraft T-6 Texan II | United States | Advanced trainer Light combat | T-6A | 45[114] | ||
| Tecnam P2002 Sierra | Italy | Basic trainer | P-2002JF | 12[130] | ||
| Aerial firefighting | ||||||
| De Havilland Canada DHC-515 | Canada | Firefighting | DHC 515 | 0 | 7 on order to replace the CL-215.[131] | |
| Canadair CL-415 | Canada | Firefighting SAR | CL 415GR CL 415MP | 7[132] 1 | One aircraft is dedicated for SAR.[114] | |
| Canadair CL-215 | Canada | Firefighting | CL 215GR | 11[133] | ||
| PZL-Mielec M-18 | Poland | Firefighting Air spraying | M-18B M-18AS | 18[134] 3 | ||
| Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane | United States | Firefighting | S-64 Erickson | 2 | Four more to be acquired by 2027.[135] | |
| Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma | France | Utility helicopter | AS 332 A2 | 2[114] | ||
| MBB/Kawasaki BK 117 | Germany /Japan | Observation helicopter | BK-117 3M | 3 | ||
| Helicopters (31) | ||||||
| Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma | France | CSAR SAR | AS-332 A2 AS-332 C1 | 2[114] 8[114] | The 2 AS332 A2 are used for MEDEVAC. To be replaced by possibly theAW139.[136] | |
| Bell 205 | Italy / United States | SAR | AB-205 | 12[114] | Built by Agusta. | |
| Bell 212 | United States | VIP transport | AB-212 | 4[137] | ||
| Agusta AW109 | Italy | MEDEVAC | A-109E Power[138] A-109 Trekker | 3[139] 2[140] | Flown for theMinistry of Health. | |
| UAVs (22) | ||||||
| EAV (HAI) Pegasus | Greece | ISR | E1-79 Pegasus Ι E1-79 Pegasus II | 10 6 | [141] | |
| IAI Eitan - Heron TP | Israel | ISR | Heron 1 | 3 | Leased from Israel.[142] | |
| General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper | United States | MALE / ISR | SeaGuardian | 0 | The purchase of 3 systems has been authorized, but no purchase has been made, as of September 2024.[143] | |
Previous notable aircraft operated were theSupermarine Spitfire,F-86 Sabres,Douglas C-47 Skytrain,Grumman HU-16 Albatross,Sikorsky H-19,Bell 47,Dassault Mirage F1,Lockheed T-33,Republic F-84F,Convair F-102 Delta Dagger,Lockheed F-104 Starfighter,Northrop F-5,A-7 Corsair II, and theRF-4E[144][145][146]
| Name | Origin | Type | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface-to-air missile (SAM) | ||||
| MIM-104 Patriot PAC-2 (GEM-T) | United States | SAM system | 6 squadrons, 36 launchers, 320 missiles | |
| S-300 PMU 1 | Russia | SAM system | 1 squadron, 4 systems, 32 launchers, 176 48n6 missiles | |
| TOR M1 | Russia | SAM system | 4 systems, 16 launchers protecting S300 batteries[147] | |
| RIM-7 Sea Sparrow | United States | SAM system | 20 launchers[147] | |
| Crotale NG | France | SAM system | 9 systems, 18 launchers[147] | |
| Air defence artillery | ||||
| Oerlikon GDF | Switzerland | Anti-aircraft gun | 40 guns[147] | |
| Rheinmetall Mk 20 Rh-202[147] | Germany | Anti-aircraft gun | n/a | |
| NATO code | OF-10 | OF-9 | OF-8 | OF-7 | OF-6 | OF-5 | OF-4 | OF-3 | OF-2 | OF-1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Hellenic Air Force[148] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Πτέραρχος Pterarchos | Αντιπτέραρχος Antipterarchos | Υποπτέραρχος Ypopterarchos | Ταξίαρχος Taxiarchos | Σμήναρχος Sminarchos | Αντισμήναρχος Antisminarchos | Επισμηναγός Episminagos | Σμηναγός Sminagos | Υποσμηναγός Yposminagos | Ανθυποσμηναγός Anthyposminagos | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NATO code | OR-9 | OR-8 | OR-7 | OR-6 | OR-5 | OR-4 | OR-3 | OR-2 | OR-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hellenic Air Force[148] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ανθυπασπιστής[a] Anthypaspistis | Αρχισμηνίας Archisminias | Επισμηνίας Episminias | Σμηνίας Sminias | Υποσμηνίας Yposminias | Σμηνίτης Sminitis | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The primary camouflage scheme utilised by the Hellenic Air Force is theAegean Ghost (Greek:Φάντασμα του Αιγαίου) scheme. This is modified slightly for each aircraft type, but is standard for all combat and transport aircraft in the inventory. Some training, search-and-rescue, and firefighting aircraft are coloured partially or completely in high-visibility colours for identification and easier location in case of an accident. The air force also frequently uses colourful commemorative schemes to mark anniversaries and other special occasions or for display purposes. National markings are applied to all aircraft, with the national roundel consisting of concentric blue, white, and blue rings, displayed on the fuselage sides and wing surfaces, and a tricolourfin flash of similar blue, white, and blue vertical stripes on the tail fin. The wordsΠολεμική Αεροπορία (or simply the abbreviationΠΑ) are applied to the fuselage as well, although this is less common in current schemes. Aircraft in Aegean Ghost scheme may have low visibility markings applied in which blue is replaced by dark grey and white by light grey.
Originally, many aircraft in service retained the basic colour scheme they were acquired in. Prior to World War II, combat aircraft were given a green and brown top scheme with white or sky blue underside, similar to theRoyal Air Force. After the war, jet fighter aircraft such as the Sabre and Starfighter would serve in a polished metal scheme. Later, most aircraft received green and brown camouflage again, consistent with the United States Air Force's South East Asia scheme, referred to as Vietnam camouflage in Greece. A-7 Corsair IIs would be some of the last aircraft to fly with this scheme, retaining it until their retirement, long after all-over grey schemes had become the normal application for Greek aircraft. C-130 Hercules transports which were used in south-east Asia early in their careers were repainted in an overall grey theme.
The worst accident in the history of the Hellenic Air Force occurred on 5 February 1991, whenLockheedC-130H Hercules s/n: 748 crashed intoMount Othrys during the landing approach toNea Anchialos. Sixty-three people were killed.[citation needed]
The latest accident occurred on 30 January 2023, when a Hellenic Air Force upgraded two-seatedF-4E Phantom crashed in theIonian sea at around 10:30 am, 25 nautical miles (46,3 km) south ofAndravida air base. The aircraft belonged to the 338th Fighter-Bomber Squadron of the 117th Combat Wing based inAndravida. The accident occurred during a training exercise with another F-4E that successfully returned to base, the aircraft that crashed was the No.2 of the flight formation. According to early sources, shortly before the crash, the two pilots sent adistress signal that they would abandon the aircraft and use theejection seats, later it was indicated that neither of the pilots ejected from the aircraft. A largesearch and rescue operation involving helicopters and ships from the Hellenic Air Force, theHellenic Navy, and theHellenic Coast Guard was set to find and rescue the pilots. The co-pilot was confirmed killed, while the captain was declared dead a few days later. It is still unclear what caused the crash, but some speculate that it was due to a technical failure.[149][150][151][152][153]
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