OR Air force It increases speed and height moving to the international air map, returns to NATO’s most demanding and realistic exercise, the famous “Red Flag” on the Nellis base, the state of Nevada, USA with the deadly fighter jets F-16 Viper.
For Second time in its history, after its participation in 2008the Hellenic Air Force is getting ready to confront with the most advanced air forces of planet, Developing the famous “vampires”, the F-16 Viper, in a theater of business that simulates war conditions with absolute realism.
The big Greek bet this time is not only the successful presence, but the highlight of the capabilities of the upgraded F-16 Viper, which now constitutes Rafale the spearhead of the Greek Air Air Force, With the next step being the acquisition of the 5th generation Stealth F-35 Multiple Role Fighter Aircraft.
The final decision to participate in “Red Flag 26” which will take place in March 2026 “locked” on the recent journey of Chief of General Staff, Vice -Commander Demosthenes Grigoriadis in the US.
In meetings with the USAF leadership, Air Force’s “first hawk” made the request to receive a positive response immediately. After all, extroversion and the constant international presence with a strong imprint of “blue wings” is a stable target of the air staff.
By F-16 Block 52 of 343m “Star” in 2008 in Viper era
It is assumed that in the great multinational exercise the Hellenic Air Force will be involved with upgraded F-16 Viper fighters that will fly for the US along with a allied tanker.
Greece’s first participation in “Red Flag” in 2008 left a strong footprint. The flying five F-16 Block 52+ of the 343 Squadron “Star” led by then-year-old Panagiotis Georgakopoulos, the current Chief of Regular Air Force, not only managed to meet the high demands of the exercise, but also to impress their business.
The 2008 Greek mission “stole impressions”, achieving very high performance in multi-threat scenarios and especially air-to-air scenarios, congratulations from allies and trainers.
H Red Flag exercise has been described as the top air exercise in the world. Includes, among other things, scenarios of air supremacy, soil support, SEAD missions (suppression of enemy anti -aircraft), tackling multiple threats, anti -aircraft networks and advanced electronic warfare systems.
Exercise will be a harsh test, but also an excellent opportunity to evaluate the Viper’s capabilities in a highly realistic battle environment against leading flying and fighters, including the F-35s.
Extraversion without borders: from India and Europe to the US
OR A decision to participate in Air Force in Red Flag is not an isolated event, but it is the culmination of a multi -year extrovert strategywhich has turned the Greek Air Force into a recognized and stable partner worldwide.
Last November, Greek F-16 Block 52+ ADV fighters from the 336 Mount Olympus fired for the first time in India as part of the Tarang Shakti exercise at the invitation of the Indian Air Force.
Participation included joint missions with Mirage-2000, Rafale and SU-30MKI, highlighting PA’s ability to attempt thousands of kilometers with complete credibility.
Of course, the fixed appearances are also missing. Greece is leading every year of the “Inochos” exercise in Andravidaattracting, among other things, air forces from US, France, Israel, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE while the Greek Air Force has presence in
- ‘Blue Flag’ (Israel)
- ‘Desert Flag’ (UAE)
- ‘Falcon Strike’ (Italy) and
- ‘Poseidon’s Rage’ (Souda)
Viper in the focus with emphasis on network -centered war
Viper’s mission to “Red Flag” will not be another participation but a demonstration of power and technological jump. The Greek F-16 Viper features AESA APG-83 radar, a new generation Mission Computer system, IRST, advanced link-16 and self-protection systems.
Is going to For the most advanced F-16 worldwide, with which the Air Force is constantly equipped And this exercise will be a top -notch highly difficult test.
The Air Force wants to send the message that the upgrading of the F-16s was not only a technical but also a operational upgrade of strategic importance.
In the era of drones, multiple theaters/threats and network -centered battle, Greek Viper aspire to become the multiplier of power in the Aegean and beyond.
Source: Onalert.gr – Reportage: Costas Sarikas