Greece Will Not Procure Additional Dassault Rafales

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsosakis has announced a significant shift in the country’s military aviation strategy, deciding against purchasing additional Dassault Rafale fighters beyond the current fleet of 24 aircraft. This decision represents a nuanced approach to national defense modernization.

Comprehensive Fleet Composition

The Hellenic Air Force’s current Rafale fleet comprises 18 single-seater Rafale EG and six two-seater Rafale DG aircraft. These include a mix of second-hand units from the French Air and Space Force and newly built aircraft, scheduled for delivery between September 2024 and January 2025.

Future Military Capabilities

Instead of expanding the Rafale fleet, Greece is focusing on acquiring F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. The initial phase involves purchasing 20 aircraft in a $3.5 billion deal, with potential plans for an additional 20 aircraft, creating a comprehensive and advanced military aviation capability.

Technological Advancement

Prime Minister Mitsosakis, drawing from his own military background, highlighted the F-35’s capabilities, describing them as “fully stealth, fifth-generation aircraft, practically invisible to any radar.” The jets are expected to work seamlessly with existing F-16 platforms.

Regional Strategic Context

The decision comes amid a complex military landscape in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey’s ongoing efforts to develop its military capabilities, including potential F-35 program readmission, domestic F-16 upgrades, and indigenous fighter development, have significantly influenced Greece’s strategic thinking.

Existing Fleet Modernization

Beyond the Rafales and planned F-35 acquisitions, the Hellenic Air Force is upgrading its 84 F-16V Vipers. The upgrade program, expected to complete by 2027, involves transforming existing F-16C/D Block 52+ aircraft into more advanced configurations.

Collaborative Defense Approach

The F-16V upgrade program demonstrates Greece’s commitment to collaborative defense development. While Lockheed Martin leads the contract, the Hellenic Aviation Industry plays a crucial role, ensuring significant domestic involvement in military technological advancement.

Strategic Implications

Greece’s approach reflects a sophisticated military modernization strategy. By carefully selecting advanced aircraft and focusing on quality over quantity, the country is positioning itself to maintain robust defensive capabilities in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment

Also read this: Greece Approves $3.5B Deal for 20 F-35 Jets from US

International Defense Alignment

The acquisition makes Greece the 19th country globally and the 12th European nation to join the F-35 program, signaling its alignment with advanced NATO military technologies and strategic defense partnerships.

Greece’s military aviation strategy demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to national defense, balancing technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive military capabilities.

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