Greece is reportedly planning to order ten F4 standard Rafale fighter jets. Greek authorities hold negotiations with the French manufacturer Dassault Aviation.
On May 10, 2024, the Greek portal Defence Review revealed that talks between the Greek authorities and the French manufacturer Dassault Aviation had reached an advanced stage—the discussions centre on acquiring up to ten aircraft designed to the forthcoming F4 specification. Dassault executives are likely to visit Athens in the coming weeks to negotiate.
"The Hellenic Air Force General Staff has expressed the need to acquire 8 to 10 additional new aircraft to form another fighter squadron," the Defence Review stated. "Furthermore, he explicitly and categorically stated to the leadership of the Ministry of Defence that this is a fundamental condition for the withdrawal of Mirage 2000-5s to cover operational needs."
In January 2021, the French government accepted an order from Greece for 18 Rafale fighters. Twelve were previously used French Air Force aircraft, while the remaining six were brand new planes built to the F3R standard. The order also contained other armaments, notably Exocet anti-ship and SCALP cruise missiles.
In 2022, the Hellenic Air Force will retire its Mirage 2000 EGM/BGM aircraft. It still has 24 Mirage 2000-5 air superiority fighters flown by the 331 Squadron 'Theseus.' The upgrade of these fighters, particularly with Link-16 terminals to improve communication with other aircraft, has been halted due to cost and efficacy concerns.
Greece has revealed plans to buy up to 40 Rafale jets by 2025 and 40 Lockheed Martin F-35A fifth-generation fighters.
Greece Reportedly to Acquire Ten F4 Standard Rafale Fighters
