With steady and quiet steps, the Greek Air force approaches the goal of acquiring 83 fighter aircraft F-16 In the top Viper version.
AlreadyThe 40th F-16 Viper fighter completed the volatile test cycle and entered the paint before his performance at 337 Squadron “ghost”, marking the milestone that the Air Force is in the “half of the route” for the completion of the program.
It is immediately followed by 41st, with sources from the ODA to confirm that The program not only stays within a timetablebut moves with speed that allows Optimism for completion without delays.
This image comes as a result of the intensive effort of workers, technicians and staff of the ODA who, after many years of stagnation and uncontrolled slide of previous years, have shown that they can manage a program of national importance.
Only the fact that Within the last 12 months 20 upgraded F-16 Viper has been delivered demonstrates the change of rhythm to the Tanagra facilities.
The course of the program
According to the existing timetable, by the end of 2025 the Air Force will have received at least 47 F-16 Viper fighter aircraft, while the program is completed in 2027.
With the delivery of the latest aircraft to the Squads of the 116th Battle Wing to Araxos, which until today fly with Block 52+ Advanced, Greece will have five degrees with ‘vultures’three already equipped and two that will follow.
This level makes the Greek F-16s the most modern worldwide, Bringing the Greek Air Force to the top of the area to a 4.5th generation fighter.
Already, the training of flying and techniques in Souda has reached a high level, with the 343 Squadron “Star” and the 340 Squadron “Fox” taking advantage of the F-16 Viper in a full operational spectrum, recording hundreds of flight hours. Larissa’s 337th Squadron gradually enters the Viper erawith the Air Force acquiring a critical mass of aircraft that are qualitatively upgrading its power.
The upgrades
ASA ASA ASA APG-83 has a central role in modernization.which radically changes the capabilities of air battle. The new radar provides excellence in detecting and trapping long -distance targets, both in the air and on the surface of the sea or on the ground, giving a clear operational advantage to the Aegean.
The cooperation with the Link data coupling system It allows the transfer of the operational image to all networks and to the business center, thoroughly enhancing the network -centered war and the awareness of regular status.
The Viper self -protection system remains an important parameter. Despite the application of ASPIS II to Block 52+ and its integration into Viper, the air staff is already looking for its replacement as the existing system reaches its operational boundaries.
Athens has asked the US information about Availability and price of a new integrated self -protection systemwhich can meet the increased demands against sophisticated enemy weapons and radar.
Although the cost of acquiring it was not included in the initial Viper Agreement, the need to complete these valuable fighters makes the one -way program launch.
Air Force is well aware that against her has a Turkey proceeding with domestic self-protection systems in its own F-16 and the Kaan new generation fighter jet.
Staying back to this technology would be a strategic error. The survival of the medium and the flying depends equally on the weapons it carries and whether it can avoid, mislead or prevent a hostile threat.
Operational advantage to ether
The participation of Greek Viper in the recent Exercises “Oniochos 25” and “Ramstein Flag 25” confirmed that the new AESA radar and interoperability via Link 16 offer impressive results, both in collaboration with each other and with other 4.5th and 5th generation fighters such as Rafale and F-35.
With the full integration of 83 F-16 Viper fighter aircraft in service, Air Force’s “backbone” will consist of a force and defense force that combines not only numbers but also cutting -edge technology.
The Viper program, despite the difficulties and delays he faced in his early years, is now an example of organizational and industrial recovery.
The ODA has proven that it can carry out a program of this scale, with the Air Force winning the most important: time, reliability and confidence of the flyers who know that they are flying with the best possible tool against any threat.
Source: Onalert.gr – Reportage: Costas Sarikas