Greece Eyes Embraer C-390 as C-130 Replacement

Greece is moving forward with plans to renew its tactical airlift fleet, and the Embraer C-390 Millennium has emerged as a leading candidate. The aircraft is being considered as a replacement for the aging Lockheed C-130 Hercules currently in service with the Hellenic Air Force.

The need is pressing. Greece operates a fleet of C-130H aircraft that has suffered from low availability for years, with only a small number of airframes fully operational at any given time. This has created a clear capability gap in airlift, pushing Athens to look for a modern and more reliable solution.

Within this context, the C-390 has been included in Greece’s long-term defence planning. Initial discussions point to a small acquisition—around three aircraft—with the possibility of expansion later. There is no contract yet, but the program is active and under evaluation.

The Brazilian aircraft brings a different profile compared to traditional options. It offers higher speed, modern systems and competitive operating costs, positioning itself as a strong alternative to legacy platforms. It also reflects a broader shift, as several European operators have already selected the C-390 to replace older transport fleets.

The main competitor remains the latest version of the Hercules, but the balance is no longer one-sided. The C-390 is gaining ground as a viable NATO-compatible transport, particularly for countries looking to rebuild capacity quickly without committing to long and expensive upgrade cycles.

For Greece, the decision is less about ambition and more about necessity. The current fleet can no longer guarantee consistent availability, and delays only increase the operational risk.

Greece Signs Deal for 20 F-35 Jets, Joining the F-35 Program as 19th Nation

The Greek government has formalized its plan to purchase 20 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft by signing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) through a U.S. government Foreign Military Sale, which includes an option for 20 additional aircraft. This agreement marks Greece as the 19th nation to join the F-35 program, enhancing the Hellenic Air Force's capabilities and interoperability with NATO allies.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, director and program executive officer of the F-35 Joint Program Office, expressed enthusiasm for Greece joining the F-35 enterprise, noting the aircraft's exceptional capabilities and its role in strengthening NATO's combat effectiveness. Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin's vice president and general manager of the F-35 program, highlighted the longstanding partnership with the Hellenic Air Force and emphasized the F-35’s suitability for bolstering Greece's sovereignty and operational capacity.

The F-35 is increasingly becoming NATO's fighter of choice due to its unparalleled interoperability, ensuring strategic superiority for decades. By the 2030s, over 600 F-35s from more than 10 European countries, including two U.S. squadrons at RAF Lakenheath, will operate together, demonstrating alliance-based deterrence and advancing NATO's next-generation air power.

Mara Motherway, Lockheed Martin's vice president of Strategy and Business Development, emphasized the F-35's role in deterring threats and ensuring regional stability, contributing significantly to the evolving 21st Century Security® battlespace. Currently, the F-35 operates from 32 bases worldwide with nearly 1,000 aircraft having logged over 860,000 flight hours.

Greece, also operating F-16s, C-130s, and Hawk helicopters, is upgrading part of its F-16 fleet to the "Viper" configuration and has recently acquired 35 UH-60M Black Hawks. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias stated that the acquisition of the F-35A Joint Strike Fighters represents a significant modernization for the Greek Air Force, replacing older F-4 and Mirage 2000 aircraft. The deal, valued at $3.76 billion, will see deliveries beginning in 2028 and continuing through 2033, with the jets based at Andravida, Greece.

The procurement of F-35s comes amidst political tensions with Turkey, another NATO member expelled from the F-35 program after purchasing Russian air defense equipment. These tensions were highlighted by Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis's recent remarks about the potential use of F-35s against Turkey.

Lockheed Martin views Greece’s entry into the F-35 program as part of its ongoing international expansion, reinforcing alliance-based deterrence and setting the foundation for future air power capabilities within NATO and allied nations.

USA Lifts Freeze on Massive F-16 Deal with Turkey, Approves F-35s for Greece in Significant Geopolitical Maneuver

Following Turkey’s parliament endorsement of Sweden’s NATO application, the Biden administration has informed Congress that it is reviving a significant deal with Turkey. This deal entails supplying 40 new F-16 fighters and upgrading an additional 79 aircraft already in service, estimated at a staggering $23 billion.

Simultaneously, the administration has greenlit Greece, Turkey's regional rival, to become a part of the F-35 program. Greece is potentially set to acquire 40 F-35 conventional take-off and landing variants for $8.6 billion.

These parallel approvals mark the culmination of a major geopolitical struggle involving all three nations. Additionally, they coincide with Sweden's aspirations to join NATO following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, adding another layer of complexity to the regional dynamics

The delay in Turkey's acquisition of F-16s had been a significant point of contention between Ankara and Washington. Turkey's pursuit of new and upgraded F-16s dates back several years, following its expulsion from the US-led international F-35 program in 2020 due to its procurement of advanced Russian radars. In the same year, Defense News reported that American lawmakers quietly halted all major arms sales to Turkey, including upgrades for F-16s.

More recently, Turkey linked the US approval of F-16s to the lifting of its opposition to Sweden's NATO membership. Turkey, along with Hungary, had obstructed Sweden's NATO bid for months. Following Turkey's parliament's approval of Sweden's accession earlier in the week, President Joe Biden reportedly urged Congress to approve the F-16 deal shortly thereafter.

While the Biden administration resisted any official connection between the two issues, key members of Congress openly stated that no F-16s would be approved until Turkey addressed the NATO question. Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee Ben Cardin emphasized that his approval of Turkey's request to purchase F-16 aircraft was contingent on Turkey's endorsement of Sweden's NATO membership.

However, Cardin said: “While Turkey plays a critical role in the region as a NATO ally, there is an urgent need for improvement on its human rights record, including the unjust imprisonment of journalists and civil society leaders, better cooperation on holding Russia accountable for its invasion of Ukraine, and on lowering the temperature in its rhetoric about the Middle East.”

According to the State Department, Turkey's acquisition of new Lockheed Martin-made planes and the modernization effort, along with various supporting equipment and services, "will advance the foreign policy objectives and national security interests of the United States by enhancing the air capabilities and interoperability of a NATO Ally that contributes to political and economic stability in Europe."

While State Department approval is significant, it does not represent the final decision, and lawmakers retain the ability to intervene in potential deals. However, the public support from figures like Cardin suggests that the Biden administration likely anticipated minimal resistance in Congress when making the announcement.

Turkey is currently working on developing its domestically manufactured next-generation fighter aircraft, known as the KAAN. However, analysts have indicated that the KAAN is still several years away from being operational. In the meantime, Ankara has been eager to address its "fighter gap" that was expected to widen as its existing fleet of F-16s aged.

The simultaneous approval of Turkey's fighter clearance and Greece's anticipated F-35 purchase comes as no surprise, given the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two historical rivals.

“The F-35 will offset the increasing obsolescence of other Hellenic Air Force aircraft such as the F-4 and Mirage 2000. Greece will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces,” the State Department said.

Greece submitted its formal request for F-35s in June 2022, a move that was expected to receive approval from the US. However, there were concerns that this decision could potentially strain relations between the United States and Turkey.

Lockheed Martin has maintained a dedicated webpage since 2022 outlining the potential for Greek F-35s, emphasizing the aircraft's readiness as the optimal solution for the Hellenic Air Force.

Before Greece's involvement, a total of 17 nations had participated in the development of the F-35 or had procured the aircraft.

NEWS 2022 March, 27

Greece acquires six additional Rafales

This new contract, which follows Greece’s acquisition of 18 Rafale in January 2021, will increase to 24 the number of Rafale operated by the Hellenic Air Force.

Following the arrival at Tanagra Air Base of the first six Rafale of the Hellenic Air Force on 19 January 2022, the 18 Rafale relating to the first contract will be fully deployed in Greece by the summer 2023.The six additional Rafale will then be delivered to the Hellenic Air Force shortly thereafter, starting from the summer 2024.

dassault

Heavy losses for the Russian Air Force in Ukraine Invasion

Anti-aircraft missiles like the Stinger and Igla are not the only threats Russian pilots face in the skies over Ukraine.

A dangerous combination of doctrine, training and equipment is partly to blame for the heavy losses the of Russia’s Air Force.

Russia has not modified its ground-attack tactics and is conducting many of its attacks at low altitude, which puts Russian planes in the lethal envelope” of shoulder-fired man-portable air defense systems (MANPADs), wrote the Atlantic Council in an assessment.

The exact total of Russian and Ukrainian aircraft lost so far is unclear. On the Russian side, at least 32 helicopters and 13 fixed-wing aircraft have been damaged or destroyed, though the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense claims to have killed 81 planes and 95 helicopters. Ukraine meanwhile is down to just 56 combat aircraft, after starting the war with 98, according to Flight Global’s 2022 World Air Forces directory. For context, the U.S. lost 27 fixed-wing aircraft and five helicopters in combat across five or so weeks during the 1991 invasion of Iraq in Desert Storm.

The VKS prioritizes tactical, close air support missions over strategic missions far from the frontlines. That’s all well and good, but Russian pilots are put at greater risk while trying to achieve this mission because of the technology they work with. While the U.S. Air Force has used precision-guided munitions to great effect since at least Desert Storm, the Russian air force has nowhere near the same quantity of so-called ‘smart’ bombs. Instead, Russian pilots must use unguided ‘dumb’ bombs. But to use them accurately, pilots have to fly low and slow, which makes them vulnerable to attack from the ground.

Russia running out of precision munitions in Ukraine war

Russia is running out of precision guided munitions and it is more likely to rely on so-called dumb bombs and artillery, a senior Pentagon official said on Thursday.

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl speculated that he did not believe President Vladimir Putin wanted to have an all out conflict with NATO.

reuters

Turkish drone became the star of the Ukrainian defense

Widely circulated videos of Russian armored vehicles being destroyed from the air have thrust forward a lesser-known drone called the Bayraktar TB2. Defense News Weekly's in-house expert walks through how the TB2 became central to Ukraine's defensive arsenal.

GREECE HELLENIC AIR FORCE PATCH F-4 PHANTOM II "I AM YOUR PHATHER" STAR WARS PVC PATCH

watch
watch

US clears Greek F-16 upgrade sale

The U.S. State Department has cleared an F-16 upgrade package for sale to Greece, with an estimated worth of over $2.4 billion.
The proposed sale, posted Tuesday by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, would help Greece “as a deterrent to regional threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and execute counter-terrorism operations,” according to the sale notification.
The upgrade package will bring Greece’s fleet of Block 30, Block 50, Block 52+, and Block 52+ Advanced F-16 configurations to the F-16 V standard.
The core of the F-16V upgrade is the APG 83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, of which 125 are included in the proposed package. In addition, the stated package includes 123 Modular Mission Computers, 123 LINK-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems, 123 LN260 Embedded Global Navigation Systems (EGI)/Inertial Navigation Systems, and 123 Improved Programmable Display Generators, plus assorted supplies and training.
defensenews

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras fly in an F-16D

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was given a ride in a HAF F-16D during his visit to the 110th Combat Wing at Larisa air base on Oct. 12.
The hour-long flight took him across Halkidiki, Mt. Athos, Limnos, Agios Efstratios and Skyros.
alert5

Greece Requests 5 CH-47D Chinook From US Army

The Government of Greece requested the possible sale of five (5) CH-47D helicopters, seven (7) Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) (one (1) for each aircraft plus two (2) spares), and twelve (12) T55-GA-714A turbine engines (two (2) for each aircraft plus two (2) spares). Also included are mission equipment, communications and navigation equipment, ground support equipment, special tools and test equipment, spares, publications, Maintenance Work Order/Engineering Change Proposals (MWO/ECPs), technical support, and training, and other associated support equipment and services. The total estimated cost is $80 million.
dsca

Greece military plans modernization of its F-16 fleet, could eventually acquire F-35

Greece plans to modernize its fleet of F-16 fighters and then acquire F-35 aircraft from the Unite States at a later date, according to a news report.
The publication Ekathimerini, quoting unidentified aides of Defense Minister Panos Kammenos, said the decision was taken in line with recommendations made by military chiefs.
Ekathimerini reports that in addition to upgrading existing F-16s and notifying the United States of its interest in procuring the F-35, Greece will also seek maintenance for the military's S300 long-range surface-to-air missile systems.
A letter of request for modernizing the F-16s was signed by Kammenos on Tuesay.
Upgrading Greece's entire fleet of F-16s will cost between $1.7 billion and $2 billion, according to the report, and would be paid over a period of time.
A deal for the maintenance of the S300 missile systems is not yet clear.
Greece has a total of 155 F-16C and F-16D aircraft.
upi

Israeli F-16I pilots Train to Deal Against S-300 System

The Israeli air force has used a bilateral exercise with its Greek counterpart to prepare for apotential situation where it will have to attack Iranian nuclear facilities.
In late April, the service took part in joint training with the Greek air force, which included performing missions against the nation's Russian-made S-300 surface-to-air missile system. The same equipment will soon be supplied to Iran, under a proposed deal with Moscow.
The Israeli and Greek air forces have staged a number of joint exercises over the last few years.
NATO member Greece has been in possession of S-300s since the late 1990s, and is operating the air defence systemfrom a base in Crete. Athens is also negotiating with Russia for the purchase of additional missiles.
According to foreign sources, the Israeli air force has acquired technical data about the long-range surface-to-air missile system, and now its pilots have had a chance to simulate a scenario in which they attack a site heavily protected with the S-300 and other advanced anti-aircraft systems.
flightglobal

France reveals that lost 2 Mirage 2000 and 2 Alpha Jet in January Albacete disaster. 2 Rafale severely damaged as well

The French Air Force lost four combat aircraft as write-offs and a further two as severely damaged as a result of the disaster at Los Llanos/Albacete Air Base in Spain.
The accident, which saw a Hellenic Air Force F-16D Block 50 crash while attempting to take off on 26 January, resulted in the total loss of two Dassault Mirage 2000D fighters and two Alpha Jet trainers. As well, a pair of Dassault Rafale fighters suffered extensive damage.
As well as losing its aircraft, the French Air Force also suffered the loss of nine of its personnel in the accident, which is still being investigated.
janes

Spain: Death count rises to 11 in a Greek F-16 crash at Albacete Air Base

The death toll from the crash of a Greek F-16 fighter jet at a Spanish military base during an elite NATO pilot training program rose to 11 Tuesday after a French airman who suffered serious burns died, Spain's Defense Ministry said.
The death came as Spanish investigators probed what caused the jet to lose thrust during takeoff Monday and crash into five parked planes at the Los Llanos air base in southeastern Spain, triggering a series of explosions and a raging fire.
Two pilots aboard the Greek F-16 were killed along with eight French air force members on the ground and the French airman who died Tuesday, the ministry said in a statement.
By Tuesday afternoon authorities had not retrieved the 10 bodies at the scene because workers were still cleaning up highly toxic fuel at the crash site.
Twenty French and Italian citizens were injured and four remained hospitalized in Madrid undergoing treatment for severe burns.
The Greek F-16 pilots and other military personnel from seven NATO countries were taking part in an annual one-month training exercise called the Tactical Leadership Program.
The NATO countries who sent personnel to this year's program were Britain, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain and the United States.
bigstory

Hellenic Air Force retires A-7 Corsair II from service

The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) held a decommissioning ceremony for its A-7 Corsair II aircraft at Araxos Air Base, home of the 116 Combat Wing, on 17 October.
The world's last operator of the A-7 Corsair II, 336 Squadron, decommissioned 15 A-7E and two TA-7C aircraft at the event.
The HAF acquired 60 A-7Hs and five TA-7Hs from LTV between 1975-1980 and then 50 A-7Es and 18 TA-7Cs from the US Navy's inventory after the first Gulf War, which arrived in country in 1993-1994. Greece's total fleet of 133 Corsair IIs then made it the largest international operator of the type, which was retired from US Navy service in 1993 but also operated by Portugal and Thailand.
The A-7 Corsair II saw service in five HAF squadrons, marking in total 355,000 missions and 440,000 flight hours. Thirteen pilots were also lost in flight accidents involving the type.
336 Squadron, the HAF's second-oldest squadron, is scheduled to receive half of the co-located 335 Squadron's Lochkheed Martin F-16 Block 52+ Advanced aircraft, thus continuing its operations.
janes

Greece poised to sell some of its F-16 fighters to Bulgaria

Greece is in talks with the US and Bulgaria about selling some of its old F-16 fighter jets to Bulgaria and leasing new ones from Washington.
NATO asked Bulgaria in February to update its air force’s capability and the country’s defense officials have approached Athens about the possibility of buying between six and eight Fighting Falcon planes. The issue was first discussed when the country’s two defense ministers met in March.
There is a precedent for such a deal as Portugal sold 12 of its F-16s to Romania for 880 million dollars in October 2013. Sources said the Hellenic Air Force would like the jets sold to be replaced by Block 52s but the US does not want to lease these airplanes.
focus-fen

Greece to Overhaul an Reactivate its P-3B Orion

The Government of Greece has requested a possible sale for modification and reactivation of two P-3B aircraft, and the upgrade of up to five P-3B aircraft that will include structural Mid Life Upgrades (MLU), Phased Depot Maintenance (PDM), Mission Integration and Management Systems (MIMS), and new flight avionics. The MLU kits will provide service life extensions for 15,000 flight hours.
dsca

Greek fighter jets harass Turkish recon aircraft

A Turkish aircraft conducting a reconnaissance flight over Aegean international airspace was harassed by Greek F-16s five times, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) announced on Tuesday.
A CN-235 aircraft was harassed by Greek fighter jets for two minutes and 37 seconds while the radar lock of the Greek air defense system was kept on.
In a previous incident, four F4-E/2020 Phantoms were put under radar lock by Greece's Patriot missile defense system twice, for 15 seconds each time, at 3:20 p.m. Turkish time on Dec. 23. The jet fighters were on a training flight in international waters off Greece's Ikaria Island in the Aegean, the military said.
Media reports quoted military sources as saying this was the first time that Turkish military aircraft were threatened by Greece's long-range missile defense system. The military has also reportedly notified the Foreign Ministry about the incident.
Turkish and Greek warplanes have engaged in dogfights over the Aegean many times in the past but Greece has never activated its missile defense system against Turkish aircraft.
Turkey and Greece are at odds over boundaries of their airspace due to a long-running territorial dispute over the Aegean.
Read more

Greek Jets Over Israel

A flight of four F-16 Block 52 Plus from the Hellenic Air Force 340 Squadron ("Asteri") will be based at Ovda Israeli Air Force base in the Negev desert in order to take part in IDF exercise "Blue Flag."
The base is home to IDF squadron "Aggressor" that simulate Arab aerial tactics to train other squadrons. It is equivalent to the US "Top Gun" school.
"Blue Flag" will be conducted with the participation with aircraft from Greece, the USA, Poland, Italy, and of course Israel.
Greece will be represented, apart from the fighter aircrfat, by 45 pilots and technicians from 340 Squadron, and a C-130H transport aircraft from 356 Tactical Transport Squadron that will move the personnel and basic ammunition and spares for the aircraft.
The Greek aircraft will arrive in Israel on 13 November, before the beginning of the exercise that will be staged between 17 and 28 November.
newgreektv

Israel busca vender F-16 a Grecia/ Israel seeks sale of fighter jets to Greece

Una delegación del Ministerio de Defensa de Israel ha viajado a Grecia para tratar una posible venta de cazas F-16 a la Fuerza Aérea Griega.
La posible venta ha venido gestándose desde la visita del primer ministro israelí Netanyahu a Grecia el pasado mes de Agosto de 2010.
Israel y Grecia, ambos rivales de Turquía han realizado varios ejercicios militares conjuntos recientemente, tras la debacle en las relaciones diplomáticas y militares entre Turquía e Israel.
(leer más)
_______________________________________
A Israeli defense delegation reportedly traveled to Greece to discuss a possible deal to sell F-16 fighter jets.
This deal has been in progress for several months already, since Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Greece this August.
Israel and Greece, both Turkey’s rivals, have conducted several joint air drills in the past year following a debacle in diplomatic and military relations between Turkey and Israel.
(read more)

Maniobras conjuntas Israel-Grecia/ IsraelIAF and Hellenic Air Force Conduct Combined Exercise in Greece

Helicópteros de la Fuerza Aérea de Israel UH-60 y AH-64 han realizado maniobras conjuntas con la Fuerza Aérea Griega esta semana.
Ambas fuerzas han practicado el vuelo y el aterrizaje en terreno montañoso en todo tipo de condiciones meteorológicas.
(Leer más)
_________________________________________________
Israeli UH-60 and AH-64 helicopters took part in a joint exercise with the Hellenic Air Force in Greece this week.
Both sides practiced flying and landing in mountainous terrain and under changing weather conditions.
(Read more)