Greek air force A variation of the standard Greek lizard pattern was introduced in the 1990s specifically for the Hellenic Air Force. : +30 210 659 1040-1041 Hellenic Air Force General Staff 227-231 Mesogion Avenue, Postal Code 155 61, Cholargos Tel. Credit: AMNA. 1917 Hellenic Army Air Force. Sep 3, 2020 · A Hellenic Air Force F-16C Block 52+ in demonstration flying over Thessaloniki by captain Giorgos More Papadakis during the military parade on 28th of October 2018, the "Oxi day" that Description The Dassault Rafale is a French, twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole fighter aircraft that covers the full range of operational missions. 1946 Air Force re-established after WW2. The Hellenic air force was later introduced in September 1912 as the third arm of the military. HAF and TAF pilots have engaged in mock dogfights over the Aegean Sea for years, with some turning deadly; such as the 1996 shooting down of a Turkish F-16 by a Greek Mirage 2000, and the 2006 crash of a Greek F-16 where Greek pilot Jul 26, 2024 · On November 6, 2020, the Greek government formally requested an urgent acquisition of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II 5th generation aircraft for the Hellenic Air Force through a Letter of 406 - B350 - Beech B300 King Air 350 - Hellenic Air Force - AirNav Database - Live Flight Tracker, Status, History, Route, Replay, Status, Airports Arrivals Departures Real-time flight tracking with one of the best and most accurate ADS-B coverage worldwide. The first aircrafts landed in Tanagra Air Base on the 27th of April 1988 and immediately began the training of the first pilots from French instructors. Two months later a second unit, 338 Mira ‘Ares’ (Ares being the Ancient Greek God of The T-2 Buckeye was delivered to the Hellenic Air Force in 1976. Credit: Hellenic Air Force. Sept 1912 Air Squadron of the Royal Hellenic Army. S. Jan 15, 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. Feb 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. And the first F-35 is expected to arrive, probably at Andravida Air Base, by 2030. Apr 4, 2025 · The official website of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) provides information on its missions, exercises, conferences, museum, band and history. Hellenic Air Force (Πολεμική Αεροπορία): The Hellenic Air Force is responsible for aerial defense and operations, with fighter aircraft, transport planes, and helicopters ensuring air superiority and national defense. Exch: +30 210 659 3399. The WDMMA review takes into account specific categories of aircraft covering attack, logistics, special-mission, and general support types. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said while visiting a military air base near Athens that the purchase would create “a powerful deterrent presence in our The Hellenic C-130s carry out the majority of the air transportations in Greece and are also deployed in humanitarian and fire fighting missions. But as fate would have it, the 1974 general mobilization coincided with the beginning of Skabardonis’ career in the Air Force. The air force of Greece or the Hellenic Air Force participated in the Balkan Wars, World War I, the Asia Minor War, World War II, the Greek Civil War, the Korean War and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Flag images indicative of country of origin and not necessarily the primary operator. With a 200-strong fleet of mostly fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft, the Hellenic Air Force will be able to muster air supremacy in potential theaters of operations. Mar 31, 2025 · The primary goal of Iniochos is to enhance interoperability, cooperation, and readiness. In short time the Squadron was manned by experienced pilots selected from various Squadrons of the Hellenic Air Force. 5-generation multi-role fighter known for its advanced avionics, weaponry, and versatility. With the first four jets arriving at Andravida Air Base, located on the nation’s west Peloponnese peninsula, on April 5, 1974, the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) stood up its first Phantom squadron – 339 Mira ‘Aias’ (or Ajax, a Greek mythological hero). Nov 3, 2024 · Greece has one of the largest air forces in NATO, with 227 fighter jets of various types. It is used as the home-base of the 112th Combat Wing (112 Πτέρυγα Μάχης, 112 ΠΜ) of the Hellenic Air Force . gr. Learn about the organization, command and units of the Hellenic Air Force, the air arm of the Greek Armed Forces. As a result, if you are arriving via commercial flight or ferry you must obtain base access permission prior to reporting to NSA Souda Bay. : +30 210 659 1040-1041 Turkey. To boost detection capabilities, the Hellenic Air Force has ordered Kronos Grand mobile high power (GM HP) radar from Leonardo, which will be deployed in Crete. Dec 1929 Hellenic Combat Air Force. Elefsina Air Base (ICAO: LGEL) (Greek: Αεροπορική Βάση Ελευσίνας) is a military air base situated in Elefsina, Greece. 12, 2022. Watch videos of the latest HAF activities, such as the conclusion of Exercise "Iniochos 2025" and the participation in NATO Tiger Meet 2022. This year, a record number of international allies and partners will join the exercise that will conclude on Jan 30, 2024 · To begin with, it looks like the Hellenic Air Force is several steps ahead of Turkey’s (THK). Dec 5, 2024 · The following represents an overview of the modern aerial fighting capabilities of the Hellenic Air Force (2025). 1973 Hellenic Air Force. Sep 5, 2024 · The Rafale is a French-made fighter jets, twin-engine, multirole combat aircraft capable of covering a wide range of operational missions. Part of a NATO support program, this upgrade marks a significant improvement in Greece's transport capabilities, with plans to expand the fleet further by 2027. In international politics, the antagonism between Greece and Turkey has made it imperative for HAF to maintain parity with Turkish Air Force (TAF). : +30 210 659 1040-1041 Stealth allows Greek pilots to covertly patrol, monitor and conduct surveillance without being tracked. The last of an order for 24 Rafale aircraft for the Hellenic Air Force landed at the Tanagra military base on Thursday, delivered to Greece by France. Jul 29, 2022 · Barring any major development, the country could at the dawn of the next decade possess the region’s mightiest air force after Israel. In 2022 alone, the Turkish Air Force reportedly violated Greek airspace 11,256 times, with 282 of those incursions involving aircraft armed with air-to-air missiles. Nov 1935 Royal Hellenic Air Force. By direction of the Base CO, members are not authorized to bring any firearms into Greece. Website Technical Support e-mail: webmaster@haf. HAF and TAF pilots have engaged in mock dogfights over the Aegean Sea for years, with some turning deadly; such as the 1996 shooting down of a Turkish F-16 by a Greek Mirage 2000, and the 2006 crash of a Greek F-16 where Greek pilot The Hellenic Air Force is expected to maintain air superiority, support land and naval operations, attack first- and second-echelon forces in Thrace (providing at the same time close air support Jan 10, 2025 · The Rafale is a 4. With over 60 aircraft and 1,000 personnel from nations like the U. The Rafale joined the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) in 2021, under contract 013Γ/20 for a purchase of 24 aircraft. Jun 22, 2023 · When the Greek Air Force exercise ‘Iniochos 2021’ was held in April 20, 2021 at the Andravida airbase, about 300 kilometres from Athens, the only invitation extended to a non-participating country was sent to the Indian Mission, and in 2023, from April 26 to May 03, the Greek and Indian Air Forces collaborated on a joint training exercise The Hellenic Air Force Academy (Greek: Σχολή Ικάρων, abbr. Jan 29, 2025 · Lockheed Martin has delivered the 30th upgraded F-16 Viper to the Hellenic Air Force, marking a key milestone in Greece's $997 million modernization program. These near The Greek military, encompassing the army and navy, was established during the fight for independence from Ottoman rule in 1821. More specifically, 12 of them formerly used by the Armée de l’Air and 12 […] Over 40 years after its service entry with the Hellenic Air Force, and thoroughly rejuvenated by a wide-ranging upgrade program, the F-4 Phantom II remains an essential component of Greece’s Tactical Air Force planning. : +30 210 659 1040-1041 The Hellenic Air Force (HAF; Greek: Πολεμική Αεροπορία, romanized: Polemikí Aeroporía, lit. Joint operations of the F-35 with 4th generation fighters, including the F-16’s, will be a force multiplier for the Hellenic Air Force. : +30 210 659 1040-1041 e-mail: spokesman@haf. Feb 9, 2025 · This has been attributed to use by the Greek Navy Special Forces (DYK), and incorporates a very similar color scheme to the standard Hellenic "lizard" pattern, but in a sparser concentration and vertical alignment. Additionally, forces from the Hellenic Army and Navy contribute significantly to creating complex and realistic scenarios across the entire Greek territory. The C-130 has been in service in the Hellenic Air Force for many years (since1975). : +30 210 659 1040-1041 Sep 15, 2017 · The introduction of the F-4 in the Hellenic Air Force inventory in 1974 marked the beginning of a new era for the Hellenic Air Force. Hellenic C-130s belong to the 356 Squadron “Hercules”, which is based in Elefsis airport (112 Combat Wing). Apr 7, 2025 · HAF Chief of Staff Attends Distinguished Visitors Day of Exercise “Ramstein Participation of the HAFGS’s Chief in the “European F-35 Air Chiefs Participation of the Hellenic Air Force in Exercise “Spears of Victory There are a total of [ 18 ] Active Greek Air Force Aircraft (2025) entries in the Military Factory. Subordination Hellenic Air Force General Staff (HAFGS) Mission The museum’s mission is the concentration, preservation and presentation of HAF’s heirlooms, the study and documentation of history, the presentation of the nation’s battles and the Spirit of Flight throughout the centuries. The aircraft are the first of 83 Mar 31, 2025 · The Hellenic Air Force participates with all types of its fighter aircraft, as well as helicopters, transport, and training aircraft. Air Force F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, lands for the first time at Souda Air Base, Greece, July 7, 2022. Despite his mother’s fears, when he turned 21, he applied to the Hellenic Air Force Academy – known familiarly as the Icarus School – and was accepted. Feb 28, 2017 · The 117 Combat Wing at Andravida is home to the legendary McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom fighters of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF). Base Access Required. Location The Hellenic Air Force Museum is located in Dekelia Air Base, Tatoi. , India, and Qatar, the three-week event will showcase advanced air warfare scenarios across the Aegean. Greece’s Air Force already has modern French-made Rafales and the modernization of 83 F-16s to the Viper configuration is proceeding at a satisfactory clip. It joined the Greek Air Force (PA) in 2021 under contract 013C/20, which included 24 aircraft—12 used and 12 new. The mission of the Hellenic Air Force is to guard and protect Greek airspace, provide air assistance and support to the Hellenic Army and the Hellenic Navy, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid in Greece and around the world. Turkey. The Apr 11, 2025 · Από το Σάββατο 29 έως και την Κυριακή 30 Μαρτίου 2025, αντιπροσωπεία Δοκίμων Υπαξιωματικών της Σχολής Μονίμων Υπαξιωματικών Αεροπορίας (ΣΜΥΑ), συμμετείχε στην 24η Έκθεση Στατικού Μοντελισμού, στη Δημοτική Πινακοθήκη Η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή ανακοίνωσε ότι θα χρηματοδοτήσει την αγορά 11 αμφίβιων αεροσκαφών πυρόσβεσης Air Tractor (Fireboss) για τα νησιωτικά συμπλέγματα [65] PZL-Mielec M-18 Dromader: Πολωνία: Αεροπυρόσβεσης Sep 14, 2022 · The Hellenic Air Force took delivery of the first two fully upgraded F-16V Block 72 Viper fighter jets during a ceremony at Tanagra Air Base on Sept. The Hellenic Aviation was first established in 1911 with help from French experts. HAF’s museum […] Aug 28, 2024 · The Hellenic Air Force has increased its operational transport fleet to five C-130 Hercules aircraft with the recent arrival of a newly maintained plane at Elefsina Air Base. The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) (Greek: Πολεμική Αεροπορία, Polemikí Aeroporía, literally "Military Aviation") is the air force of Greece. Die griechischen Luftstreitkräfte waren an folgenden Kriegen und Konflikten beteiligt: Zweiter Weltkrieg Hellenic Air Force General Staff 227-231 Mesogion Avenue, Postal Code 155 61, Cholargos Tel. This initiative enhances Greece’s air combat capabilities with advanced avionics, radar, and weapons systems while strengthening interoperability with allied forces. Nov 26, 2022 · In terms of air defense systems, Greece operates the US-designed Patriot PAC III surface-to-air missiles (SAM) together with the older Russian S-300. The Hellenic Air Force (HAF; Greek: Πολεμική Αεροπορία, romanized: Polemikí Aeroporía, lit. Jan 14, 2025 · French Dassault Aviation has delivered the 24th and final Rafale fighter jet to the Hellenic Air Force’s Tanagra air base. Learn why Greece needs so many aircraft to counter Turkey's regional ambitions and what planes it plans to buy in the future. -Hellenic readiness and interoperability. The Phantom might not be the most versatile and agile fighter in HAF service, but it remains an essential component of its Tactical Air Force planning. Its capabilities in advanced training and weapons instruction were unmatched compared to the T-33s it replaced. Find out the history, personnel, aircraft and bases of the Air Force as of 2018. 1 The average fleet age is based on our own calculations and may differ from other figures. The service currently counts 401 total units in its active aircraft inventory. gr Mar 7, 2016 · Hellenic Air Force F-16 History. Im Königreich Griechenland trugen die Luftstreitkräfte zwischen 1935 und 1973 dann die Bezeichnung „Royal Hellenic Air Force“ (RHAF) (Griechisch: Ἑλληνικὴ Βασιλικὴ Ἀεροπορία, Ellinikí Vasilikí Aeroporía). Disclaimer. The new jet not only incorporated technological advances but also contributed to a major development in tactical air operations. Jul 8, 2024 · Hellenic Air Force information. : +30 210 659 1040-1041 Jan 10, 2025 · The quest for air superiority has long been central to the geopolitical rivalry between Greece and Turkey over the Aegean Sea, a frequent site of aerial confrontations. Apr 25, 2025 · The Hellenic Air Force hosted the Iniochos 2025 exercise at Andravida Air Base, with 12 countries actively participating in the largest edition since the first as Invitation Exercise in 2015. Among these, Greece will receive 18 single-seater Rafale EGs and 6 two-seater Rafale DGs. Return to the Modern Aircraft Index. It is a critical element of survivability and ensures Greek pilots safely protect Greece’s air space. Hellenic Air Force - Insignia Home; What's New; Wings of Heroes; World War 1 Wings; This is the Greek WW2 era Cap Badge Width: Height: Weight: ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece formally approved an offer to buy 20 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters from the United States as part of a major defense overhaul, government officials said Thursday. Entries are listed below in alphanumeric order (1-to-Z). Greece became one of the many operating countries of the successful F-16 when the Greek government in 1989 decided to acquire 40 of the American fighters along with 40 French Mirage 2000 fighters in what was known at that time "The purchase of the Century". This design Hellenic Air Force General Staff 227-231 Mesogion Avenue, Postal Code 155 61, Cholargos Tel. The fifth-generation aircraft will be participating in exercise Poseidon’s Rage, in an effort to bolster U. The main operational role of the Squadron is all weather interception. HAF Spokesman Tel. : +30 210 659 1040-1041 Aug 9, 2021 · “It was a passion, and my goal since I was 10,” he recalls. The Hellenic Air Force is one of the three branches of the Hellenic Armed Forces, and its mission is to guard and protect Greek airspace, provide air assistance and support to the Hellenic Army and the Hellenic Navy, and to provide humanitarian aid in Greece and around the world. The NSA Souda Bay is located on the Hellenic (Greek) Air Force Base. Only supported aircraft types that are active with this airline are included in the calculations. ΣΙ (SI)) is a military academy responsible for supplying the Hellenic Air Force with military pilots, aeronautical engineers, air traffic and air defence controllers. . HAF and TAF pilots have engaged in mock dogfights over the Aegean Sea for years, with some turning deadly; such as the 1996 shooting down of a Turkish F-16 by a Greek Mirage 2000, and the 2006 crash of a Greek F-16 where Greek pilot Mar 18, 2025 · Greece’s 117th Combat Wing in Andravida is gearing up for "Iniochos 2025," the Hellenic Air Force’s largest multinational exercise yet. The history of the Phantom II in Greece dates way back to April 4, 1974. 'War Aviation', sometimes abbreviated as ΠΑ) is the air force of Greece (Hellenic being the synonym for Greek in the Greek language). Jan 18, 2025 · A U. Iniochos 2025, Greece’s largest multinational air exercise, begins Monday at the Andravida air base in western Greece. The procurement of 40 trainers of this type radically transformed the aviation training system. Greece’s 332nd Squadron welcomed the single-seat aircraft, joining the rest of the country’s fleet of combat aircraft, which includes F-16s in various configurations and the incoming F-35 Lightning II fighter jets . Hellenic Air Force General Staff 227-231 Mesogion Avenue, Postal Code 155 61, Cholargos Tel. xapledfpmlvbxpzxwtwrljlmcgetuhvpqmrrypazmycyvexnslhqjltpemptbzjmxnlrqwu