Greece seeks to boost F-16 fleet with Israeli-developed guidance kits

Greece enhances air defense with additional F-16V Spice kits amid Türikye-Greece normalization efforts. Greece is planning to procure guidance kits used for converting unguided bombs into precision-guided bombs, developed by Israeli defense technology company Rafael, and will soon integrate the advanced system to its defense arsenal, giving it a strategic edge in precision-guided munitions.

SPICE, the sophisticated guidance kit produced by Rafael and similar to Boeing’s JDAM/JDAM-ER, is set to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Hellenic Air Force.

Greece plans to purchase SPICE 1000 and SPICE 2000 kits to enhance their Mark 83 and Mark 84 general-purpose bombs into highly accurate, long-range smart weapons. The Hellenic Air Force will initially install the kits on its fleet of F-16 Viper jets, significantly enhancing their operational effectiveness.

The procurement deal, valued at under $140.75 milion, represents a significant investment in the modernization of Greece’s military capabilities. The acquisition is part of a broader effort to enhance the precision and effectiveness of the country’s airstrike capabilities.

The SPICE family of guidance kits includes variants for 1000-pound (Mk-83), 2000-pound (Mk-84), and 250-pound warheads. These kits are compatible with a variety of fighter aircraft, including the F-15, F-16, Mirage 2000, Tornado, and Gripen, making them a versatile addition to Greece’s aerial arsenal.

One of the key features of the SPICE guidance kit is its ability to combine the advantages of electro-optical guidance with satellite guidance (GPS/INS). The dual-mode capability ensures that the bombs can accurately hit their targets even in adverse weather conditions and in environments where GPS signals may be compromised or unavailable.

The system’s electro-optical guidance provides precision targeting by using image matching algorithms, making it highly effective in both day and night operations.

By incorporating SPICE technology, Greece is taking a substantial step forward in enhancing its defensive and offensive air capabilities.