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Greece - Hellenic Air Force - Equipment Overview

The Hellenic Air Force had a requirement for the replacement of their trainer fleet. These planes will replace the T-2C currently in use. The Hellenic Air Force is examining the possibility of purchasing used KC135 or new 767 Boeing Air tankers. Estimated budget $250 million. The Hellenic Air Force had a long list of purchases involving air-to-air missiles and precision guided munitions (PGMs), JDAM, JSOW and long-range missiles. This list was prepared in 2004, with an estimated budget $300 million.

The Mirage 2000's evolution started in 1973, by Dassault in France, and the aircraft made it's first public appearance in 1980. The aircraft is currently serving in the Hellenic Air Force as an all weather interceptor with the 114 Fighter Wing at Tanagra. The Fighting Falcon is the creation of the 70's search by the USAF for a new 'Light' fighter. General Dynamics' F-16 took it's first flight in 1974, and within a few years it became one of the most populous fighters in the NATO and US allied air forces. The F-16 is serving in the Hellenic Air Force as a multi-purpose fighter aircraft based in Larisa with the 110 Fighter Wing and in Nea Anghialos with the 111 Fighter Wing.

The A-7 took to the skies for the first time in 1965. Many things have changed in the plane since then.. Both the 'E' and 'H' models incorporate many improvements, from greater thrust, to night capabilities. The Corsair II is serving the Hellenic Air Force in close air support, ground attack, and bombing operations. Bases of operation include the 115 Fighter Wing at Souda, as well as the 116 Fighter Wing at Araxos.

The (R)F-4 E Phantom II / PI2000 aircraft started it's long career in the air forces of numerous countries with the fighter designation F-110A in 1962. The Phantom has seen an extraordinary amount of improvements, all inspired by it's performance in the Vietnam conflict. The F-4 currently serves in the Hellenic Air Force as a multi-purpose fighter, as well as in reconnaissance roles (RF-4). A number of these aircraft have undergone major modifications (Peace Icarus 2000) by DASA of Germany, thus making them the most advanced Phantoms to ever fly. Today they operate out of Larisa with the 110 Fighter Wing and from Andravida with the 117 Fighter Wing.

The Mirage F-1 CG entered service in the Hellenic Air Force in 1974. The aircraft serves as an all weather interceptor flying out of Tanagra's 114 Fighter Wing or Heraklio's 126 Fighter Squadron. The Defense Department is currently looking to sell these assets to any interested party.

The (N)(R)F-5 A/B Freedom Fighter was the oldest fighter in service, but probably one of the most maneuverable planes in the world. The Freedom Fighter is currently serving in day intercept and close air support roles out of Thessaloniki's 113 Fighter Wing at Mikra. All F-5 aircraft are scheduled to be withdrawn from service on December 31, 2000.

The C-130 is one of the most popular transport planes in the world. The prototype for this aircraft first flew in 1954, but has evolved dramatically since that first flight. Hercules transport aircraft can be seen just about anywhere in Hellas, but are all based in Elefsis with the Air Support Command's (DAY) 112 Fighter Wing.

The T-2E has been serving with the Hellenic Air Force for more then two decades. Based in Kalamata, it has facilitated the advanced training of young Icarus cadets. These aircraft will soon be replaced by an advanced trainer. The first 25 Raytheon T-6A Texan II aircraft are in similar configuration to the USAF/USN JPATS T-6A and are used for the initial 100 hours of instruction. Subsequent airplanes include provisions for light armament to be used in the more advanced stages of the training syllabus. All are based at Kalamata. The T-37 is a trainer, currently being phased out with the introduction of the T-6A.

Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-135, is used to facilitate the transport needs of VIPs. The type was acquired following the order for ERIEYE/EMB-145H AEW&C aircraft. Serves with the 356 MTM at Elefsis. The CL-215 is a proven fire-fighting aircraft, and it's contribution to Hellas' forests can be seen every summer. Hellas recently acquired the turboprop powered upgraded version of the plane designated CL-415. All aircraft belong to the 355 MTM that is based in Elefsis.

The AgCat was designed in the mid-1950's for providing agricultural service, and first flew on May 22nd, 1957. In Hellenic service it is primarily used as a crop-duster. All aircraft belong to the 359 squadron that is based in Tatoi/Dekelia, but could be stationed anywhere in the country. WSK "PZL-Mielec" S.A., a formerly state-owned aircraft manufacturer in Poland, produces these commercially successful aircraft. The Hellenic Air Force acquired these aircraft in the 1980's as debt repayment. In addition to crop-dusting, these planes offer their limited fire-fighting services during the summer months.

The air force modernization program aimed at reducing the number of aircraft in operation and increasing flexibility and tactical reconnaissance capability. Specifically, this policy has meant the procurement of F-4E and A-7E aircraft from the United States and NF-5A/B and RF-4E aircraft from the Netherlands and Germany, respectively, and phasing out outdated F/RF-104s and F-5A/B aircraft. Two squadrons of F-16 jets with modern weapon systems have been added to upgrade defensive capacity, and the addition of C-130 and medium transport aircraft improved deployment and support capability in the early 1990s.

The defense minister Dimitris Avramopoulos announced 01 June 2014 his intention to upgrade all existing aircraft in the HAF's inventory in light of increasing Turkish provocations in the Aegean. Within this framework the minister signed a contract amendment with French manufacturer Dassault, for the upgrade of all existing Mirage 2000 fighters to Mirage 2000-5 status. This upgrade had already been decided upon in 2012. The amendment also allows the HAF to purchase spares directly from the manufacturer.

The Hellenic Air Force acquired 3 PAC-2 Patriot Tactical Air-Defense Missile Systems, and received 6 PAC-3 systems. Equipped with the most advanced version of the missile created to intercept aircraft (PAC-2/GEM), it is capable of striking targets some 90km away (from the previous 70km). The Russian made S-300PMU1 anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic missile system was originally ordered by the Republic of Cyprus. It is currently positioned on the island of Crete and has a maximum effective range of about 150km.

The Nike-Hercules high altitude anti-aircraft system continues to remain in a partial operational status after decades of service. While still capable of intercepting enemy aircraft, its primary mission is to confuse and disrupt enemy planning and operations. The Skyguard anti-aircraft system is used to provide an 'umbrella' of protection for the military and civilian airports of the country. The system includes radar, 30mm guns, and the RIM-7M Sparrow missile. The Crotale NG is equipped with a multi-sensor suite including passive electro-optics and radar. Its VT1 missile features a high level of maneuverability with load factors up to 35 g up to 8 km with the airframe capable of withstanding 50 g. Speed is Mach 3.5, using a solid propellant rocket motor. The VT1 has an effective range of about 11 km and ceiling of over 6,000 m. Additional units are also operated by the Hellenic Navy.

The Artemis 30 was developed during the 1980's in Hellas, to protect all branches of the Armed Forces from medium and low level attack aircraft. The system is based around the 30 mm cannon and it's advanced targeting system. Plans call for this system's integration with some advanced missile system.