Hellenic Air Force

In early 2020, the Hellenic Air Force announced the start of the modernisation programme of its extensive F-16 fleet. Greece awarded Lockheed Martin a $280 million contract to upgrade the air force’s fleet of F-16C-52+ and F-16D-52+. These F-16s will be upgraded to the Block 72 Viper configuration. Among other enhancements, this includes an APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar significantly enhancing the aircraft’s ability to identify and engage enemy aircraft. This upgraded example is operated by 343 Mira "Asteri/Star", which was the first unit to receive the upgraded Vipers back in 2021.

Frank Noort

During 2023, the HAF started replacing the ageing T-2C/E Buckeye with the Leonardo M346B. Here 205 with its Italian test registration CSX55277 is seen test flying from Varese-Venegono Airport on the 3rd of April 2023.

Capenti Tiziano

The first six Dassault Rafale F3Rs were delivered to 332 Mira at Tanágra air base on 19 January 2022. 413 depicted here is a former Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace (AAE, French Air and Space Force) example.

George Karavantos

F-16C 539 is operated by 337 MPK (All-Weather Squadron) from Lárisa. This air base is selected by the United States as one of the Forward Operating Bases and will be expanded accordingly.

Paul van den Hurk

Since 1999, the AS332C1 Super Puma is the mainstay for Search and Rescue missions.

Marco Dijkshoorn

The HAI Ε1-79 Pegasus is an indigenously-developed medium-altitude long-endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MALE-UAV) produced by Hellenic Aerospace Industries (HAI). It entered service with the Hellenic Air Force as Pegasus in 1992, and as the upgraded version Pegasus II in 2005.

@kilo.mike.aviationphotography (Kostas Marmarelis)

Slated to be replaced by the Dassault Rafale, the end is near for the HAF F-4E (AUP). Only one unit remains operating the 'Spook': 338 MDV.

Patrick Roegies

The Leonardo C-27J was destined to be the tactical transport platform for the HAF but they are suffering from a very low availability. Of the eight delivered, only one or two are operational at any given time.

@kilo.mike.aviationphotography (Kostas Marmarelis)

One of the last operators of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is Greece. These "ugly beauties" are operating out of Andravida air base in the North Peloponnesos.

Paul van den Hurk

337 Mira "Fantasma" or "Ghost" operates the Block 52+ F-16C/D Fighting Falcon. These are being upgraded to the F-16V standard, making them equivalent to the Block 72 F-16.

Paul van den Hurk

An amazing aircraft, the Block 52 F-16D, landing at at airbase with amazing photography, Aviano in Italy. This 340 Mira example is a long way from home with his homebase being Souda at the island of Crete.

Giampaolo Tonello

The CL-415GR is a very capable water bomber. 10 were delivered since 1999 and three were lost while performing their very risky duty.

@kilo.mike.aviationphotography (Kostas Marmarelis)

The primary Electronic Warfare type in the service of the Hellenic Air Force is the Embraer EMB145H AEW&C. Based on the ERJ145LRthey were built at Sao José dos Campos in Brazil. They are operated by 380 MASEPE = Mira Aeroporiko Systima Enaeriou Elenchou & Epitirisis or "AWACS Squadron".

@kilo.mike.aviationphotography (Kostas Marmarelis)

Since June 2019, the Tecnam P2002JF started replacing the ageing T-41D Mescalero that was used for primary flight training since 1969.

@kilo.mike.aviationphotography (Kostas Marmarelis)

352 MMYP (Mira Metaforas Ypsilon Prosopon or VIP Squadron) operates two Embraer 135s in the VIP transport role out of Elefsis. They can be seen around the world while transporting dignitaries to their appointments.

Frank Noort

C-130H 751 is one of the Hercules' that is upgraded to carry ECM roll-on, roll-off kit. While usually it operates in the tactical transport role, it is sometimes observed to perform more secretive operations.

Frank Noort

This dual-seat Mirage 2000-5BG of 331 Mira participated in the ΗΝΙΟΧΟΣ 2019 exercise.

Vincent Loedeman

With notoriously fierce fire-seasons in Greece a well-equipped and well trained areal fire fighting force is indispensable. The HAF water bombers consist of the PZL M-18, Canadair CL-215 and Canadair CL-415 that are dispersed across the vast area of the country.

Marco Dijkshoorn