Hellenic News Update 12-03-2025

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Air Force holds talks with Lockheed Martin over F-16 modernization cost - February 26, 2025
The leadership of the Hellenic Air Force is in talks with US officials and representatives of Lockheed Martin regarding the modernization program of 38 F-16 Block 50 aircraft to the Viper variant. US officials and company representatives visited Hellenic Air Force headquarters on Monday. The talks are expected to be completed by Friday. According to Kathimerini, the aim is to review the draft Letter of Acceptance (LOA) sent by the US a few months ago and find a way to keep the cost of the program below $1 billion. The Greek Air Force had initially estimated the cost of upgrading the 38 fighters to the Viper configuration at around $800 million, while the US LOA valued the program at $1.5 billion. Read more

Greek pilots are becoming more and more familiar with the “invisible” F-35 – Countdown to the “Iniochos 2025” - February 25, 2025
The joint training between the F-35 and F-16 Viper fighter aircraft is a step forward for the future of the Hellenic Air Force, as the results of the “Ramstein Flag 2024” exercise, which took place for the first time last October in Greece, show the gradual familiarization of Greek crews with a highly advanced weapon such as the F-35. The first exercise on European soil took place in Andravida and specifically at the airport where the necessary works will start in 2026 to progressively accommodate the Greek F-35. In a highly complex flight, however, during the exercise, F-35 and F-16V fighters participated in combined missions, “confirming the readiness and the common spirit of cooperation between allied forces,” according to HAF. Read more

EU may trip up Greek fiscal request - February 24, 2025
The government expects fiscal breathing space, within reasonable limits and without jeopardizing fiscal discipline, from the European Commission’s proposal to exempt defense investments from the spending limit of the new Stability Pact, by activating the escape clause. As National Economy and Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis wrote in Sunday’s Kathimerini, in principle, Greece supports the position of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, provided that the escape clause does not just concern countries with defense spending of 0.5% or 1% of GDP, in order to facilitate their reaching the NATO spending limit. Read more

Ambitious air defense, deterrence upgrade - February 21, 2025
Greece is set to present an ambitious defense modernization program in the coming weeks, aiming to enhance the operational capabilities of its armed forces and strengthen its deterrent posture in the region. Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Defense Minister Nikos Dendias are expected to formally unveil the program during a parliamentary plenary session after March 4, emphasizing its significance for national security and its broader value to Greek society. The initiative will prioritize a multilayered air defense system, dubbed “Achilles Shield,” which integrates anti-drone, anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic missile technologies. Read more

Opportunity arises for some fiscal leeway - February 20, 2025
State spending on defense equipment is projected by this year’s budget to amount to 1.5 billion euros, which could theoretically be exempted from the expenditure increase limit agreed with the European Commission, according to the announcement of the president of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, last Friday. In total, defense spending reaches 3% of Greece’s GDP (ranging between 2.7% to 2.8%) and of this, approximately 0.6% of GDP this year concerns purchases of defense equipment. For 2026, budget expenditure for defense equipment is estimated to increase further by €400-500 million, reaching €2 billion. Read more

European Defence Agency Launches Project for Aircraft Battery Monitoring - February 18, 2025
The European Defence Agency (EDA) has launched a three-year research project to develop advanced battery monitoring systems for hybrid-electric aircraft and drones. The initiative aims to improve battery lifespan, enhancing the system’s overall performance. “These systems will help predict how long the batteries and the materials that make up the aircraft can be safely used, reducing the risk of failure and increasing the safety of flights,” stated the EDA. Led by Italy, the project also involves Belgium, Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands. The project focuses on aerial vehicles that integrate structural lithium-ion/polymer batteries — rechargeable batteries specifically designed for aircraft. Read more

Greece faces challenges in selling its Mirage fighter jets - February 17, 2025
Greece faces challenges in selling its 24 Mirage 2000-5 fighters after France declined to purchase them, a deal that would have helped finance the acquisition of additional Rafale jets for the Hellenic Air Force. Despite past discussions with potential buyers, including India, no serious interest has materialized for the purchase of these jets. Recent reports indicate that Ukraine had expressed interest in acquiring the aircraft, but Greece opted not to pursue the deal, as the Mirage 2000-5 remains a critical component of the country’s air defense, at least until more Rafale jets are secured. Athens is not willing to donate the aircraft, but instead seeks to sell them to fund new acquisitions. France’s reluctance to buy back the Mirage 2000-5, which could have been redirected to Ukraine, indicates that Paris is phasing out the aircraft from its own air force in favor of the Rafale. Read more

Sea drones may soon be deployed in the Aegean - February 17, 2025
Ministry of Defense officials are closely following the deployment of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) by Ukraine in the Black Sea and the rapid growth of Turkey’s drone industry. As Ukraine successes have shown, relatively cheap aerial drones and USVs can inflict deadly damage to ships costing millions, even billions, of euros. Ukraine also used USVs, in combination with cruise missiles, to significantly damage the Russian-built bridge linking Russia’s Krasnodar region with Crimea’s Kerch Peninsula. In case of a crisis between nominal allies Greece and Turkey, the geography of the Aegean Sea is well-suited for the deployment of USVs. And while Turkey’s military plans in case of conflict have not yet incorporated the USVs, it is certain that they will do soon do. Read more

Greece advances Andravida base upgrade for F-35 arrival - February 26, 2025
The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) is progressing with plans to transform Andravida Air Base in the northwest Peloponnese into the country’s most advanced military facility, designed to host its incoming fleet of F-35 fighter jets. Key discussions were held on Tuesday between Greek military officials and representatives from US defense contractor Lockheed Martin, who are currently in Athens to review the next steps in the base’s modernization. A few weeks ago, a team of American officials visited Andravida to inspect the base’s infrastructure. Meanwhile, a task force established by HAF is managing the ongoing upgrades to the 117th Combat Wing, which is stationed at Andravida. As part of its preparations, the HAF team has visited international F-35 bases to gather expertise for implementation at Andravida. Read more

Greece's new Sarisa II rocket-armed drone confirms combat readiness after three days of live-fire testing - February 16, 2025
The Greek company SAS Technology completed a three-day live-fire testing campaign for its Sarisa II (also known as SRS-2A) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) at the Litochoro Firing Range from February 10 to 12, 2025. The tests were part of the certification process for the SRS-2A, confirming its capability to deploy both unguided and laser-guided 70mm (2.75-inch) rockets from Thales Belgium. The trials were conducted under the supervision of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defense, in collaboration with Thales Belgium and Hellenic Defense Systems (HDS), whose technical support contributed to the program. On February 10, testing focused on the SRS-2A’s ability to launch unguided rockets while maintaining flight stability. Read more

Greek military eyes technological leap - February 16, 2025
Greece will announce a 12-year, €28 billion defense modernization plan on March 4, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed. The program, spanning 2025-37, emphasizes advanced technology systems to modernize the armed forces and address existing gaps. Key initiatives include the acquisition of 20 fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets and the ambitious “Achilles’ Shield” project, a comprehensive air, missile and anti-drone defense system. A sensor network for underwater threat detection is also planned, involving Greek companies under the Greek Defense Innovation Center (ELKAK). The plan allocates €2-2.5 billion annually for defense, building on €15 billion spent since 2020. Read more

Greek Navy to test-fire new torpedoes in May - February 12, 2025
The Greek Navy will conduct the first test firing of its new heavy torpedoes in May, sources told Kathimerini. The training launch will be carried out by one of Greece’s four Type 214 submarines, the most advanced in the country’s fleet. The first two SeaHake Mod4 training torpedoes have already arrived at the torpedo workshop at the Salamis Naval Base. They are delivered in separate components and assembled on-site. The training torpedoes are identical to the combat versions, except they lack explosive warheads. According to reports, the majority of the 44 SeaHake Mod4 torpedoes ordered will be delivered to the Navy by 2025, provided the May tests are successful. Meanwhile, both torpedo technicians and combat officers from the Submarine Command continue their training on the new weapons. Read more

Finalizing weapon decisions as F-35 program total reaches €4.6 bln - February 11, 2025
Athens’ plan to procure 20 fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets is the centrepiece of its defence strategy for the coming years. This decision reflects both the cutting-edge technology the jets will bring to the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) and the significant financial burden that will need to be managed over time. The program was greenlit by the US roughly a year ago, coinciding with approval for Turkey to upgrade a portion of its F-16 fleet to the advanced Viper configuration. For years, Greece has aimed to maintain a technological advantage over Turkey in aerial capabilities to safeguard the balance of power in the Aegean. Regardless of developments in US-Turkey relations, Athens is pressing ahead with plans for a modernized, 21st-century HAF built around the F-35. Read more

Greece Unveils Advanced Hi-Tech Military Uniform for Soldiers - February 5, 2025
Greece unveiled the country’s new, high tech military uniform and gear for Greek soldiers, encompassing new technologies and responding to modern challenges of the 21st century, according to the Greek Ministry of Defense. The uniform and its supporting gear, dubbed the “Fighter’s Uniform,” was presented to the public by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias at an event held at the Hellenic Army Academy, on Tuesday, February 4. “We are creating a new reality,” Dendias said during the event. “A Greek fighter of the 21st century.” Read more

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