Greek F-16.
According to Ekathimerini, the letter would resolve another pending issue in the modernisation efforts of the Hellenic Air Force and its transformation into one of the most significant in the broader region.
The modernization of the 38 F-16s will take place at Nea Anchialos Air Base, while at the same time, the upgrade of the F-16 Viper is continuing at Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB).
Two F-16 Vipers are already ready, and to start the training of their pilots in Greece, the time of their delivery in the coming months is being discussed between the Hellenic Air Force and that of the US.
Accordingly, the older F-16s will not be transferred anywhere outside Greece, nor is there any plan to give them away. Still, they will remain operationally active as they carry a huge workload in the Aegean daily.
Instead, ways to keep them at high availability are being considered. At the same time, a number of them will be converted into training aircraft for new fighters as an introduction to the future fleet of the newer F-16 Viper; Block 52+ Advanced and upgraded Block 50 types.
Greece currently employs a mix of F-16s in Block 30, Block 50, Block 52+, and Block 52+ Advanced configurations. Therefore, Greece will have no difficulty absorbing the upgrade of these aircraft from an operation and support standpoint.
According to Lockheed Martin, having served 28 customers worldwide, the F-16 remains the world’s most successful, combat-proven multi-role fighter aircraft. Currently, the F-16V, an option for both new production F-16s and F-16 upgrades, is the latest and most advanced F-16 on the market. The F-16V configuration includes numerous enhancements designed to keep the F-16 at the forefront of international security.