The Hellenic Air Force received the first two modernized Viper configuration F-16 fighter jets, out of an ordered 83, at the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAV) grounds in Tanagra, north-west Athens. The arrival of the Vipers was welcomed at a ceremony in the presence of National Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos.
The first two Vipers will be used as training vehicles for the pilots of the Hellenic Air Force, while the EAV is ramping up production to deliver at least six more aircraft by the end of the year.
Lockheed Martin and the Hellenic Aviation Industry (EAV) jointly delivered on Monday the first two F-16 Viper fighters to the Hellenic Air Force.
These aircraft will rejoin the Air Force with fully upgraded capabilities, strengthening Greece’s national security.
Check out these amazing F-16 Vipers, powered with the best of American ingenuity.
The Viper upgrade enhances Greece's defence capabilities and NATO interoperability, making the region more secure. 🇺🇸🇬🇷@Hellenic_MOD @hndgspio @HAFspokesman @LMEuropeNews @HAIcorp pic.twitter.com/zoq7rHNML1
— U.S. Embassy Athens (@USEmbassyAthens) September 12, 2022
The HAF F-16Vs will be among the most advanced F-16s in Europe enabling the Greek Air Force to successfully address emerging threats in the region and operate as part of allied missions worldwide.
According military issues website armyvoice.gr, the main systems being upgraded under the program include:
AESA APG-83 radar
New Modular Mission computer (MMC-7000AH), ADT
New information and display screens between the footwells
New APX-126 AIFF with mod 5 capability
Integration of SNIPER POD, SASSM and PaveWay II projectiles
Link-16 capability
The F-16 upgrades are carried out at the EAV under close technical guidance from Lockheed Martin teams that are both in EAV and the USA.
An F-16, despite 44(!) years of service, an F-16 has never been shot down. It’s also economical due to how many have been produced and the wide variety of licensed component manufacturers and is one of the most enjoyable to fly due its light weight.