According to government sources in Greece, the Ukrainian Air Force, awaiting the first deliveries of F-16 fighters transferred by Western allies, could potentially receive an additional boost from Greece with up to 32 more units in their Block 30 variant. These aircraft are among the oldest in the Hellenic combat fleet and may be retired as part of Greece’s plans to restructure and rationalize military resources. If this initiative proceeds, the F-16C/Ds would join over 90 aircraft committed by Denmark, Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Local Ukrainian media reports suggest that Greece’s plan to transfer these fighters received strong backing following an incident involving Russian missile attacks during Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ visit to Ukrainian territory in March of this year. Mitsotakis had previously remarked, “We heard the sound of sirens and explosions nearby (…) We didn’t have time to reach a shelter. It was a very intense experience.”
Greek experts in international relations, including Konstantinos Filis, Director of the Institute of Global Affairs at the American College of Greece, suggest that the incident was a warning to Greek society, traditionally friendly with Russia. Nevertheless, according to Euromaidan Press, Greek public opinion towards Russia reportedly shifted negatively by 40% in 2023.
Prior to the potential significant shipment of F-16C/D fighters, Greece had already shown military support with the transfer of approximately 40 BMP-1 armored vehicles, Stinger portable anti-aircraft missiles, Russian-made S-300 air defense systems, and various artillery ammunition. This highlights a departure from the previously amicable relations between Greeks and Russians.
Regarding Greece’s Air Force modernization plan, it’s noteworthy that not only F-16C/D fighters will be retired, but also aging F-4 Phantom II and Mirage 2000 aircraft. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias stated in March that “We cannot continue like this. The F-4s must be retired and, if possible, sold. The Mirage 2000-5 is an exceptionally capable aircraft and can be sold. The Block 30 F-16s should also be sold.” In their place, Greece plans to integrate French Rafale fighters and Lockheed Martin’s fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bombers. Additionally, upgrades to over 80 F-16 Block 52+ aircraft to the Viper standard are already underway.
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