Greece to receive first 8 F-35 jets by 2030

Lt. Gen. Dimosthenis Grigoriadis, chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, outlined the progress of Greece’s military aviation programs, with a focus on the acquisition of F-35s, global defense developments, and weapon acquisitions in an interview with Athens-Macedonian News Agency.

Hellenic Air Force programs

The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) is moving ahead with all its modernization programs, aiming to build an air force equipped with advanced fighter jets.

Grigoriadis confirmed that by the end of 2024, the final six Rafale jets will be delivered, bringing the total to 24. Additionally, Greece is set to receive its first eight F-35s by 2030, with training for the first 16 Greek pilots and technicians to take place in the U.S. in 2028.

“All programs are progressing with realism and rational planning,” said Grigoriadis. “We are laying the groundwork for the Air Force of the future, and our history inspires us to continue building an air force equipped with modern fighters like the F-16 Viper, Rafale, and F-35.”

Regarding the purchase of aerial refueling aircraft, Grigoriadis explained that such a possibility has always been in the HAF’s “wishes” and at the moment the request of the General Staff is four Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from those that the U.S. will release in 2025 with a hot transfer procedure, i.e. direct transfer to full operational status to the Greece. “I don’t want them to go to the desert at all …” he said.

Global developments affecting defense costs

Grigoriadis noted the impact of global events, particularly the war in Ukraine, on defense costs. “Everything happening around us, especially the war in Ukraine, has driven up prices in the defense industry. The cost of spare parts has increased by 17% annually worldwide, which is a significant number.”

To offset these rising costs, Grigoriadis pointed to the importance of advanced simulators. “The U.S., for example, completes half of the F-35’s flight program using simulators, which helps manage the aircraft’s maintenance costs. We will acquire four state-of-the-art simulators as part of our efforts to rationalize operations.”

F-35 jets to be acquired by Greece

Greece will receive the latest version of the F-35, the Block 4/TR3.

Grigoriadis confirmed that the Greek jet will include “all the latest” technological advancements. “The Greek F-35 will have everything new that’s available. If others have earlier versions, they can upgrade them, but that will come at a cost. We will receive what we paid for, and when it’s ready in 2028, we will take delivery of the most modern version.”

AIM-120D, AGM-158, Meteor and SPICE

Grigoriadis emphasized the importance of properly equipping Greece’s aircraft with advanced weapons. “We already have weapons systems in our arsenal that can equip the F-35, including the Meteor missile. Planning is in place for the weapons, and we are evaluating the timeline and budget.”

He further highlighted Greece’s acquisition plans for the AIM-120D AMRAAM and AGM-158 JASSM, a missile with a range of 1,000 kilometers, as well as additional systems such as Rampage and SPICE, which are scheduled for delivery next year.