Author: Stavros Ioannidis
The Greek F-35 program is progressing well, with Lockheed Martin’s Vice President, J.R. McDonald, confirming that the contract for production is on schedule. Following the recent signing of a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) by the Greek government, negotiations for the intergovernmental agreement have commenced. McDonald stated that the first batch of 20 F-35s is expected to be delivered to the Hellenic Air Force in 2028. Initial jets will be produced in the US, with the possibility of assembly in Italy, where Lockheed Martin has facilities capable of manufacturing F-35s. Greece aims to acquire a squadron of 20 F-35s…
Nikos Dendias recently attended the launching ceremony of the second FDI Belharra frigate, F-602 Nearchos, at the Naval Group shipyards in Lorient, France. During his visit, he also inspected the first frigate, F-601 Kimon, which is nearing completion and getting ready for trials. Dendias emphasized the importance of these frigates in protecting national sovereignty and expressed Greece’s commitment to advanced naval technologies. The Hellenic Navy is set to procure a fourth Belharra frigate from France to enhance its fleet’s capabilities. Despite the official deadline passing in June 2023, the strong ties between Athens and Paris facilitated the decision to order…
[Shutterstock] Germany is set to train some of its future F-35 pilots in Greece at the 120 Air Training Wing in Kalamata, as discussions between Athens and Berlin continue. Reports suggest that the German air force plans to send ten pilots to undergo a two-year training program at the Kalamata base, with Greece earning around 2.5 million dollars per German pilot trained. German air force officers recently visited the Kalamata air base to assess the facilities and equipment, making Germany the first country to express interest in utilizing the international training pilot facility operated by Israeli defense contractor Elbit. Elbit…
[Χ/EUNAVFOR ASPIDES] A major operation is underway to tow the Greek-owned tanker Sounion, which is on fire in the Red Sea. The vessel, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, was struck by Yemeni Houthi rebels on August 21. Warships from the European Aspides mission are escorting the two tugboats and the tanker to prevent an environmental disaster. The Greek frigate Psara, the French frigate Chevalier Paul, and the Italian destroyer Andrea Doria are assisting in the operation, expected to reach the tanker late Monday night. Despite assurances from the Houthis to not obstruct the operation, European commanders authorized warships’ involvement…
Major Operation Underway to Tow Greek Tanker on Fire in Red Sea A Greek-owned tanker named Sounion is currently on fire in the Red Sea, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil after being struck by Yemeni Houthi rebels on August 21. To prevent an environmental disaster, warships from the European Aspides mission are assisting in towing the tanker with two tugboats. The operation, considered high-risk due to ongoing threats from the Houthis, is expected to take several days at a speed of about 2 miles per hour. The location for towing remains confidential, with Djibouti port as a potential destination.…
[InTime News] The Hellenic Air Force welcomed another C-130 Hercules at Elefsina Air Base, bringing the total number of transport force aircraft to five for the 356 Tactical Transport Squadron. Part of the NATO NSPA program, two C-130 Hercules were sent to Portugal for maintenance by OGMA, with the second plane expected to be ready by 2025. The Defense Ministry and the Air Staff aim to have at least 10 C-130 Hercules and C-27 Spartan transport aircraft available by 2027. This increase to five C-130 Hercules is a new record in Greece, as previous years saw only one operational plane…
A Turkish Aksungur drone has been making frequent visits to the Athens flight information region in the southeast Aegean, staying for extended periods without a flight plan. This unmanned aircraft, equipped for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, has raised concerns within Greece’s military leadership due to its significant capabilities. In response, the Hellenic Army General Staff is set to acquire French-built Patroller drones by late 2024, enhancing the surveillance capabilities of the Greek Armed Forces. These drones will provide high-definition imagery, thermal imaging, and firing data, improving the country’s defense capabilities. Meanwhile, Greece has shown interest in obtaining an integrated…
[Reuters/Amir Cohen] Athens is preparing for a potential evacuation of Greek nationals from the Middle East as regional tensions escalate. Military and political resources may be mobilized for evacuations from the region, including Lebanon and Israel, with Cyprus as the first stop. Greek forces in the region include two frigates and an artillery group. The Greek Defense Ministry is coordinating with the army, air force, and navy to monitor the situation and make decisions on military and evacuation operations. Reports suggest possible retaliation by Iranian-led groups against Israel, prompting heightened alertness in the region. Greek assets are on standby to…
Greece is set to finalize the procurement deal for 20 F-35 fighter jets with the US after sending the signed Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to Washington by midnight. The Hellenic Air Force will acquire the jets at a total cost of 3.47 billion euros, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028 and be completed by 2033. In addition to the initial 20 jets, Greece has the option to order another 20 F-35s, with plans to exercise this option after 2030. The agreement includes spare engines, simulators, materials, equipment, and training services, with the Follow On Support program lasting until 2033.…
Recent reports indicate that Turkey is reconsidering its plans to purchase new F-16 fighter jets and upgrade existing ones to Viper configuration. Ankara is exploring alternative options and even contemplating canceling the program altogether. Following the NATO Summit, Turkish President Erdogan has admitted to challenges in the $23 billion program, seeking assistance from US President Biden. Disagreements between the two sides persist on various issues, including domestic production and aircraft delivery schedules. Ankara aims to domestically manufacture the 40 new F-16 Vipers it intends to acquire from the US, yet the US government prefers Lockheed Martin to handle production. Turkey…