Hellenic Air Force

Hellenic Air Force
Πολεμική Αεροπορία Polemikí Aeroporía
Hellenic Air Force badge
Founded	1912(1912)
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(s)	HAF
Patron	ArchangelsMichaelandGabriel
Motto(s)	Greek:Αἰὲν Ὑψικρατεῖν 'Always Dominate the Heights'
Colours
Anniversaries	8 November
Engagements	Balkan Wars World War I Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922) World War II Air operations during the Greek Civil War Korean War Turkish invasion of Cyprus Operation Desert Storm War on Terror 2011 military intervention in Libya
Website	www.haf.gr
Commanders
Chief of Air Force General Staff	Air MarshalDimosthenis Grigoriadis
Notable commanders	Air CommodoreMichael Moutoussis Wing CommanderKostas Perrikos
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Aviator badge
Aircraft flown
Bomber	F-4 Phantom II
Fighter	F-16,Dassault 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,T-2 Buckeye,
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 forceofGreece(Hellenicbeing theendonymforGreekin theGreek language). It is considered to be one of the largest air forces inNATO,and is globally placed 18th out of 139 countries.Under theKingdom of Greecefrom 1935 to 1973, it was previously known as theRoyal Hellenic Air Force(RHAF) (Ἑλληνικὴ Βασιλικὴ Ἀεροπορία).

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 Armyand 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 GreekphraseΑἰὲν 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.

History

Main article:History of the Hellenic Air Force

Origins

In 1911, theGreek Governmentappointed 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 inÉtampesnearParis,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 Worksaircraft 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 Armyfielded its first squadron, the 'Aviators Company' (Greek:Λόχος Αεροπόρων).

Balkan Wars and aftermath (1912–1930)

Greek aviators at theSan Stefanoairfield, after theMudros armistice.

On 5 October 1912, Kamberos flew the first combat mission, areconnaissanceflight overThessaly.This was on the first day of theBalkan wars.On the same day a similar mission was flown byGermanmercenaries inOttomanservice, over theThracefront against theBulgarianArmy. 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 Moutoussisand EnsignAristeidis Moraitinisflew 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 Armyand 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 Servicewas 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 Iand theAsia Minor Campaign,equipped by theAllieswith a variety of French and British designs.

Foundation, World War II and Civil War (1930–1950)

Greek pilots of the335th Fighter Squadronin Egypt, 1942.

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,theIcarusSchool(Greek:Σχολή Ικάρων), was founded.

At the end of 1936, Greece ordered 36 PolishPZL P.24fighter 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.151fighter aircraft was placed, but only nine of the aircraft reached Greece, since the outbreak ofWorld War IIprevented 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,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 Hs126sof 3/2 Flight of 3 ObservationMiratook off to locate Italian Army columns. But they were intercepted and attacked byFiat CR.42 Falcosof 393^aSquadriglia.A first Henschel was hit and crashed, killing its observer,Pilot OfficerEvanghelos Giannaris, the first Greekaviatorto die in the war. A second Hs126 was downed overMount Smolikas,killing Pilot Officer Lazaros Papamichail andSergeantConstantine Yemenetzis.On 2 November 1940, aBreguet 19intercepted the3 Alpine Division Juliawhile it was penetrating thePindosmountain range in an attempt to occupyMetsovo.On the same day, 2nd LieutenantMarinos Mitralexishaving run out of ammunition, aimed the nose of hisPZL P.24right into the tail of an enemyCANT Z.1007bisbomber, smashing therudderand sending the aircraft out of control.

After 65 days of war, the RHAF had lost 31 officers, seven wounded, plus fourNCOskilled and five wounded. Meanwhile, the number ofcombat aircrafthad dropped to 28 fighters and 7 battle-worthy bombers.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 Warthe Royal Hellenic Air Force shot down 68 enemy aircraft (official records) and claimed another 24. TheBritish RAFclaimed 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.

In April 1941, theGerman Wehrmachtinvaded Greece in order to assist the Italian assault. During this second wave of foreign invasion, theLuftwaffeeventually succeeded in destroying most of the Royal Hellenic Air Force. However, some aircraft managed to escape to the Middle East,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 SquadronflyingAvro Ansons,Bristol Blenheims,andMartin Baltimores,and the335and336Fighting Squadrons flyingHawker Hurricane I and IIsandSpitfire Vtypes. The RHAF squadrons in theMiddle Eastflew 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.

DuringWorld War II,Greek pilots who were flying with the RAF achieved many victories.Rhodesian-born Wing CommanderJohn Agorastos Plagisshot 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 Squadronof American volunteers in the RAF and fought over Western Europe. He later joined theUSAAFand 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 SpitfireMk.IX, Spitfire Mk.XVI fighters, andCurtiss SB2C Helldiverbombers.

Post-war developments (1950–1970)

Hellenic Air Force RF-84F Thunderflash in 1988.

After the end of the Greek Civil War in November 1950, Greece sent sevenDouglas C-47 Dakotatransport aircraft of the 13th Transport Aircraft Squadron toSouth Koreato assist theUnited Nations(UN). Greek aircraft participated in many battles includingBattle of Chosinand 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 fighterflown by the RHAF was theRepublic F-84G Thunderjetin 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 Squadronin 1956. Although the F-84G was replaced by theCanadair Sabre 2in 1954 and 1955 after one-hundred units were retired from theRoyal Canadian Air Forceand upgraded in theUnited Kingdombefore entering service with the RHAF, the RF-84F remained in service until 1991. TheLockheed T-33was 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 Forcedelivered 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.

Modernisation (1980–1997)

Hellenic Air ForceMirage 2000taking off.

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 tensioncaused by the 1974Turkish invasionofCyprus,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 variantin 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/BGaircraft were delivered to the114 Combat WinginTanagraair force base, and equipped the331and332squadrons. In January 1989, the first F-16C/D Block 30 arrived in111 Combat WinginNea Anchialosair force base, and were allocated to the330 'Thunder'and346 'Jason'interceptor squadrons inLarissaair force base.

On 29 March 1991, theRF-84Fwere retired from service after 34 years and 7 months of operational life. In November 1992, moreRF-4Eswere 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 theLANTIRNnavigation and targeting pod, along withAIM-120 AMRAAMandAGM-88 HARMmissiles, were allocated to the341 'Arrow'and347 'Perseus'squadrons inNea Anchialosair 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.

Entering the 21st century (1998–2007)

A Hellenic Air Force C-27J Spartan in Luxembourg.

Pegasus IIMALE UAVof the Hellenic Air Force, landing inChiosairport after new sensors testing.

In 1998, Greece decided, in collaboration with theGerman Aerospace Industry (DASA)and theHellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI/EAB),to upgrade thirty-nineF-4E Phantom IIfighters. The first aircraft was delivered atAndravida Air Basein December 2002. This aircraft, which was namedPrincess of Andravida(s/n72-01523), was unique because it did not have theM61 Vulcangun installed. All upgraded F-4s were equipped with the newAN/APQ-65YGradar 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-airandair-to-groundmissiles. These included theAIM-120 AMRAAM(although only the -B edition), theAIM-9Mmissile, 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 inAndravidaair force base.The F-4E Phantom II PI2000 (AUP) has been certified for use ofGBU-27 Paveway IIIlaser-guidedbombs, 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 Pluswas placed.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 tacticalB61nuclear warheads fromAraxosAir 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.The project was undertaken byDassault Aviationand 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 refuellingcapability.

Eventually in 2005, HAF was officially the first air force in the worldto 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 tanksfor 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'inLarissaair base, the340 'Fox',and the343 'Star'inSoudaair base.

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).The difference between the Block 52+ and the Block 52+ Advanced, is theLINK 16communications system of the Advanced version, as well as a more powerful mission control computer, an extramulti-function displaywith 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.

Later years and Greek economic crisis (2007–2018)

Due to the retirement and obsolescence of units that had concluded their operational cycle (A-7E Corsair II and F-4 Phantom II), HAF was looking forward to acquiring new4th,4.5thor5th generation fighters,and at the same time, maintain a total number of three-hundred advanced fighters, also according to the Supreme Air Force Council2007–2012 operational planning,which was 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.

During theGreek economic crisis(2008-2018), budget cuts forced HAF to ground many of its F-16s due to lack of spare parts and maintenance. Eventually in 2015, Greece placed an order for provision of spare parts in support of its F-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.

Post economic crisis (2018-)

The Hellenic Air Force currently possesses several fighter types and is in the process of obtaining new ones. There is the F-4, F-16 in several variants, Mirage 2000 and Rafales. As well, the F-35 will be obtained soon. This is very expensive for the Armend Forces and this needs reformed. In March 2024, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias announced that the F-4's will be retired soon and the older F-16's and Mirage 2000's will be sold off. This will streamline the Air Force.

This streamlining can be of benefit to other countries such as India which may buy the Mirage jets. As well, the older F-16's may be sold to Ukraine which is in desperate need of new aircraft.

Developing programmes

SAAB GlobalEye

Theairborne early warning and control(AEW&C) in the current fleet is theEmbraer E-99fitted with theSAAB Erieyeradar. This was introduced over twenty five-years ago, and it is ageing. SAAB has offered theGlobalEyeas a replacement for these old aircraft. This is still unconfirmed.

F-16V

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 Martinwas 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,bringing capabilities to the fleet only available in5th generation fighterssuch 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. While HAF's earlier F-16C/D Block 30 and Block 50 aircraft were not included in the programme, they were planned to receive equipment donated from the upgraded platforms.The upgrade programme is scheduled to be completed by 2027, and carried out exclusively in Greece byHellenic Aerospace(HAI). As of August 2023, ten aircraft have been upgraded.

F-35

In April 2019, as part of the selection process for the new HAF5th generation fighter,Greece selected theLockheed Martin F-35as 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.At the same time, theUS Pentagonconfirmed Greece as one of five countries to be considered as potential new customers.

In January 2020, Greece formally expressed interest in acquiring and participating in the F-35 programme, following a visit by Greek Prime MinisterKyriakos Mitsotakisto 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.

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.In late-October 2020, it was made public that theUnited Statesand Greece had further discussed the sale of eighteen to twenty-four F-35 jets to Greece, duringU.S. Secretary of StateMike Pompeo's visit toAthensearlier that month. The following month, Greece officially addressed aletter of intent(LoI) to theUS Pentagon.In that LoI, Greece even showed interest in acquiring usedUSAFjets, if that meant initial deliveries could be agreed as early as 2021.According to earlier reports from Greek national dailyEstiaon 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.

On 27 January 2024, it was announced that the USA approved the sale of 40 F-35's 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-16V's and 79 modernisation kits for its F-16C's.

C-390

TheC130-B and C130-Hvariants are coming to the end of their service lives. These need to be replaced soon. As announced in January 2023, the Hellenic Air Force is in talks to potentially buy theEmbraer C-390 Millenniumfrom Embraer. Another potential option is to buy retired C130J's from theRoyal Air Force.

Despite this, there is no conformation of any purchase, and talks are ongoing.

Rafale

In August 2020,Greeceannounced the acquisition of eighteenRafalemulti-role aircraft fromFrance.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.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.Finally in January 2021, the official agreement withDassault Aviationwas 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.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.

In June 2021, Dassault Aviation released the first photographs of Rafale F3R of the Hellenic Air Force, bearing the HAFroundelandfin flash,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, Greek Prime Minister at the 2021Thessaloniki International Fairannounced the purchase of six additional Rafale, bringing the total order number to twenty-four.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.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

In 2019, Greece reached an agreement withIsraelfor the lease, with an option to purchase, of two-plus-oneIAI Heronunmanned aerial vehicles.These aircraft would be utilised by HAF and theHellenic Navyin 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).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,to be designed by the AUT based on theDelaer-RX3 prototypedesigned by the university's Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics and Turbomachinery (LFMT).The rest will be smaller swarm drones built in large numbers, linked to, and supported by the mothership.These endogenous aircraft will be primarily used in border and maritime patrol missions, high value target reconnaissance and surveillance, while utilisingdata-fusion technologiesto cooperate with HAF's future4.5and5th generation fighters.According to IDE, the air force could completely cover its operational needs within a 5-year plan.On 9 June 2021, theHellenic MODapproved the project for development, as part of sixteen other multi-national and European projects that were examined and approved by MOD technical staff.

In July 2022, the Hellenic Air Force signed a deal withGeneral Atomicsto obtain threeGeneral Atomics MQ-9C Sea GuardianUAVs. These will enhance the maritime surveillance capability of the air force, as each aircraft can remain in the air for forty hours.

Turkish drones frequently violate Greek airspace, and they can overwhelm Greek air defences. It is difficult for the likes of a Greek F16 to engage aBaykar Bayraktar TB2if 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.

The defence firmHellenic Aerospace Industryunveiled 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.

It has been announced that the first GreekUCAVis under development. It will be called Grypas. The project is led by EAB, with the collaboration of several universities such as the Democritus University of Thrace. Large scale production is expected to start in 2025.

Regional role

Turkey

In international politics, the antagonism betweenGreece and Turkeyhas made it imperative for HAF to maintain parity withTurkish Air Force(TAF). HAF and TAF pilots have engaged in mockdogfightsover theAegean Seafor years, with some turning deadly; such as the1996 shooting down of a Turkish F-16by 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.

The regional balance of power in the eastern Mediterranean was inevitably affected during theGreek government-debt crisis.However, it was subsequently restored, influenced by negative developments in Turkey's F-35 programme in 2019,rise of diplomatic tensions inTurkey-US bilateral relationsduring the same period,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 fightersin 2020. By 2023, several Rafale jets have been delivered, as well as the upgrade of F16's to the Viper variant.

Cyprus

HAF is also tasked for the defence of Cypriot airspace, asCyprus Air Commandhas 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 ofCreteandCyprusis 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,Greek F-16 fighter jets taking off fromCretereached and landed on the island of Cyprus for the first time in almost 20 years, participating in joint drills together withCyprusandFrance,and successfully returning to their home base after.

The Balkans

In May 2019, the defence ministers of Greece andNorth Macedoniasigned a military agreement, for the policing and patrolling of North Macedonia's airspace by Greece.The agreement also included other areas such as military technology,cybersecurity,intelligence and air traffic control, all provided by the Hellenic Air Force.Since 2017, Greece andItalyalso provide, in rotation, policing of the airspaces ofAlbaniaandMontenegro.Additionally, as part of Greece's conventional obligations withinNATO,HAF andUSAFaircraft cooperate in a variety of missions, from air patrolling, to ground target marking, and provision of air defence training to allied Balkan countries.

North Africa and Persian Gulf

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.On 14 September 2021, the Hellenic Air Force deployed a fully equipped battery ofMIM-104 Patriotmissiles to Saudi Arabia as part of the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Concept.According to official statements,AthensandRiyadhhad 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,to guard "critical energy infrastructures".

In September 2020, Greece and the UAE conducted common air superiority drills in the eastern Mediterranean region, which lasted almost three weeks.As the two air forces share very similar types of fleets, and following these common exercises, the two countries signed a mutual defence agreementfurther reinforcing bilateral military and political ties.

In December 2020, Greece and Israel came closer to a €1.4 billion agreement over twenty years,for the creation of the International Air Force Training Centre (IAFTC) in the Greek city ofKalamata.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 Masterjet trainerthat 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-6single-engine turboprop aircraft, with M-346 and additional T-6 to join in the near future.

Equipment

Aircraft

An F-16 landing atRIAT

An ERJ-135LR inLuxembourg

A Super Puma helicopter for theCSARmission

A T-6A from the training Wing at Kalamata

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In service	Notes
Combat Aircraft
Dassault Rafale	France	multirole	DG/EG	18	6 on order
Mirage 2000	France	multirole	5 Mark II	24
F-4 Phantom II	United States	fighter-bomber	F-4E	33
F-16 Fighting Falcon	United States	multirole	F-16C/D	149	39Dvariants provideconversion training
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II	United States	Multirole combat aircraft	F-35A		20+20 on order. Deal signed and entering service in 2028
Maritime Patrol
Lockheed P-3 Orion	United States	patrol/ASW		1
AWACS
Embraer E-99	Brazil	AEW&C		4
Aerial Firefighting
PZL-Mielec M-18	Poland	water bomber	M-18B	22
Bombardier CL-415	Canada	water bomber		7	One aircraft is dedicated forSAR.
Bombardier CL-215	Canada	water bomber		11
De Havilland Canada DHC-515	Canada	water bomber			Seven new DHC-515 aircraft on order to replace the CL-215.
Transport
Alenia C-27J	Italy	transport		8
Gulfstream V	United States	VIP transport		1
Super King Air	United States	air ambulance	350	2	flown for theMinistry of Health
Lockheed C-130	United States	tactical airlift	C-130B/H	4
Embraer EMB-135	Brazil	VIP transport	135LR/BJ	1 / 1
Dassault Falcon 7X	France	VIP transport		1
Helicopters
Bell 205	United States	utility		12
Bell 212	United States	VIP transport		2
Eurocopter AS332	France	utility /CSAR		12	To be replaced by the AW139
AgustaWestland AW109	Italy	air ambulance	Trekker	2	flown for theMinistry of Health
Trainer Aircraft
T-6 Texan II	United States	advanced trainer	T-6A	45
T-2 Buckeye	United States	jet trainer	T-2C/E	40
P2002 Sierra	Italy	basic trainer	P-2002JF	12
Alenia Aermacchi M-346	Italy	jet trainer	LIFT	5	5 on order
UAVs
Pegasus	Greece	surveillance	Pegasus II	16
IAI Eitan - Heron TP	Israel	surveillance	Heron TP	3	leased from Israel
General Atomics MQ-9B	United States	MALEuav	SeaGuardian		3 on order

Retired

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

Air defence

Current Weapons Systems of the Hellenic Air Force

Name	Origin	Type	In Service	Notes
Surface-to-Air Missile(SAM)
MIM-104 Patriot	United States	SAM system	6 squadrons, 36 launchers
S-300 PMU 1	Russia	SAM system	2 squadrons, 12 launchers
TOR M1	Russia	SAM system	4 systems, 16 launchers protecting S300 batteries
RIM-7 Sea Sparrow	United States	SAM system	20 launchers	Part of theSkyguardair defence system
Crotale	France	SAM system	9 systems, 18 launchers
Air Defence Artillery
Oerlikon GDF	Switzerland	Anti-aircraft gun	40 guns	Part of theSkyguardair defense system
Rheinmetall Mk 20 Rh-202	Germany	Anti-aircraft gun	n/a

Organisation

Further information:Structure of the Hellenic Air Force

Personnel

Ranks

Main article:Greek military ranks

Officer ranks

NATO code	OF-10		OF-9		OF-8		OF-7		OF-6		OF-5		OF-4		OF-3		OF-2		OF-1						OF(D)						Student officer
Hellenic Air Force
			Πτέραρχος Pterarchos		Αντιπτέραρχος Antipterarchos		Υποπτέραρχος Ypopterarchos		Ταξίαρχος Taxiarchos		Σμήναρχος Sminarchos		Αντισμήναρχος Antisminarchos		Επισμηναγός Episminagos		Σμηναγός Sminagos		Υποσμηναγός Yposminagos			Ανθυποσμηναγός Anthyposminagos

Other ranks

NATO code	OR-9						OR-8		OR-7		OR-6						OR-5						OR-4				OR-3		OR-2						OR-1
Hellenic Air Force
	Ανθυπασπιστής Anthypaspistis						Αρχισμηνίας Archisminias		Επισμηνίας Episminias		Σμηνίας Sminias												Υποσμηνίας Yposminias												Σμηνίτης Sminitis

Aircraft markings and camouflage

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 flashof similar blue, white, and blue horizontal 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.

• 
  Original proportions
• 
  Variation used during WWII on some aircraft
• 
  Current proportions
• 
  Fin flash

Aircraft accidents and incidents

Main article:List of aviation accidents and incidents in Greece

The worst accident in the history of the Hellenic Air Force occurred on 5 February 1991, whenLockheedC-130H Herculess/n: 748 crashed intoMount Othrysduring the landing approach toNea Anchialos.Sixty-three people were killed.

The latest accident occurred on 30 January 2023, when a Hellenic Air Force upgraded two-seatedF-4E Phantomcrashed in theIonian seaat 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 signalthat 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 operationinvolving helicopters and ships from the Hellenic Air Force, theHellenic Navy,and theHellenic Coast Guardwas 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.

See also

• List of flying aces from Greece
• Hellenic Air Force Academy
• Hellenic Aerospace Industry
• Sedes Air Base
• Kavala AirSea Show
• Hellenic Air Force Museum

Bibliography

• Carr, John (2012).On Spartan Wings.Barnsley, SY, Pens & Sword Military.ISBN978-1-84884-798-9.

Further reading

• George J. Beldecos et al.Hellenic Wings: An Illustrated History of the Hellenic Air Force and its Precursors - 1908–1944,pub. Air Historical Branch (HAF), 1st edition (1999)
• A. Tsagaratos (editor):Hellenic Air Force Yearbook 2010/B,Special Projects,Athens, Greece, ISSN 1790-4102 (2011). Page 8 contains a summary Order of Battle and a summary aircraft inventory, as of December 2010.
• World Military Aircraft Inventory, Aerospace Source Book 2007, Aviation Week & Space Technology, 15 January 2007
• The Library of Congress Country Studies, CIA World Factbook
• Greece – The Hellenic Air Force
• E. A. Pagotsis (2008).Hellenic Defence Review 2008–2009.Athens: Line Defence Public Ltd. pp. 128–159.
• Aircraft Inventory (Greek)

External links

• Hellenic Air Force— official website
• Hellenic Republic Ministry of National Defence— official website