Impressive presences from crews and aircraft of all kinds, from latest generation warplanes - such as the American F-35, the French Rafale and the Greek F-16 - to airships, parachutes and model aircraft, at the 11th Athens Flying Week 2023, the largest aviation event in southeastern Europe, taking place on the weekend of September 2nd and 3rd at Tanagra Air Base.
The numerous spectators, who from early morning flock to the welcoming air base of the 114th Fighter Wing, have the opportunity to enjoy a rich flying program.
But at the same time, they can enjoy the aircraft participating in their static exhibitions, chat and take pictures with their pilots, browse the exhibitors' stands and purchase souvenirs, badges and coats of arms from iconic air units and aircraft insignia.
Of course, the elite foreign entries stole the show. Especially the "solo" programs carried out by the American F-35 with its pilot Christine "Bio" Wolf (pun intended to remind the central hero of the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf), but also the demonstration of the French Rafale, with pilot Bertrand "Boubou" and the program that gave it victory in the air competition in Britain. The flight of the Rafale showed the many possibilities and the extremes this irresistible aircraft can reach; our Air Force has just received the 18th of the corresponding fighters that will strengthen the wings of our defence.
Of course, the participation that aroused the undivided interest of the spectators and in the static exhibitions, in addition to the awe-inspiring program of the demonstration, which proved the enormous capabilities of this fighter, was the presence of the impressive American fighter F-35 for the first time in Greece.
As the commander of the F-16 and F-35 for Lockheed Martin, Monetha Banseiser told AMNA: “We are very excited to be here at Athens Flying Week and to have the entire F-35 demonstration team here. It is a great joy to return to Greece. I was there two years ago, then flying the F-16v with the demonstration squadron, and I'm always glad to be back. And it's wonderful to participate in the F-35 demonstration and demonstrate the capabilities of this exciting aircraft."
Regarding the particularities of these two aircraft, the American pilot added: "The big difference between the F-16 and the F-35 is that, not so much from a flying point of view. The thrust lever is in the same position, and both aircraft are easily handled in flight.
In the flawless organisation and successful displays, often involving manoeuvres that challenge the laws of nature and the forces of gravity, the Fursan aerobatic flocks from the Arab Emirates, who performed a program of masterful and often daring manoeuvres, stood out in particular, the Saudi Arabian fleet of Saudi Hawks and the Spanish Patrulla Aguila.
The top glider pilot Luca Bertozio also left memorable impressions, while the program of the Belgian F-16 took the breath away of many spectators. Spectators also watched an impressive program and manoeuvres from the Danish F-16.
The program and the manoeuvres they presented to the public in Tanagra and the Greek colours, apart from the elite crews and swarms from abroad, participated with almost all of the aircraft available to all three bodies of the Greek army. Especially the demonstration of the F-16 "Zeus" with squadron leader Christos Haritos proved that Greek pilots are among the best in the world.
Spectators were also thrilled by the flight of the iconic F-4 Fantom, which for ten years formed the backbone of the country's air defence and proved to be one of the most famous fighter aircraft in the world.
The Icaron School also participates. Speaking to AMNA, the flying vice-commander Apostolos Tsolis of the Ikaron School pointed out that "every year we are honoured to be invited to this air show. This year, our joy is even greater because we are participating with a Tecnam aircraft as a static exhibit, together with the other three training aircraft, as well as with a School stand where photos and videos will be shown; there is also an Icaron delegation, so that we can also promote the School, but also the aviation concept in general, in this whole aviation celebration".
Also memorable is the participation of the impressive swarm of demonstrations of the Greek team T-6 "Daidalos" of the 120th Wing based in Kalamata.
As he stated to AMNA squadron leader Konos Papageorgiou, member of the T-6 "Daedalus" demonstration team, the purpose of establishing this team, which took place 18 years ago, was to spread the aviation concept in Greece, to the general public, as well as to the Air Force.
"The purpose is essential as all the spectators see what a T-6 is doing, which is the original plane of our Icarus training in Kalamata."
In response to the question of whether there is always the possibility of another upgrade of the flying material and the quality of the training, squadron commander Papageorgiou emphasised that "in any case, the whole system is dynamic; it is constantly being modernised, this is also the purpose, as well as the means change, but the basis remains the same, the purpose is the same."
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