Greece orders AT-802 Firefighting aircraft
The Elliniki Polemiki Aeroporia (HAF, Hellenic Air Force) has announced the acquisition of 25 new Air Tractor AT-802 firefighting aircraft, a move aimed at bolstering the country’s ability to combat increasingly severe wildfire seasons.
The €155 million contract, awarded to Air Tractor Europe through an international tender, will be financed through a combination of EU funds - including the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the European Regional Development Fund - as well as a loan from the European Investment Bank.
The new fleet will consist of 19 single-seat aircraft and six AT-802 Fire Boss amphibious dual-seaters. While the AT-802 has already been deployed in Greece on a leased basis, this marks the first time the country will own and operate these aircraft by itself.
The aircraft are expected to be based at Dekelia/Tatoi Air Base (LGTT) and operated by the 359 MED MAEDY (Search and Rescue / Civil Service Air Support Squadron).
Credit photo: Air Tractor Europe