Greece to spend over €1 billion on upgrading 38 F-16 fighter jets

Greece has officially launched the process to modernise 38 of its F-16 Block 50 fighter aircraft to the advanced Viper standard, with the relevant plan expected to be submitted shortly for approval by the Council of Chiefs of General Staff.

After years of delays, the modernisation effort is now moving ahead largely as a result of a political decision at the national level to accelerate US military procurement procedures. The initiative was originally proposed by the Hellenic Air Force and received approval several months ago from the Supreme Air Force Council. Although some officials had expressed doubts about the urgency of the upgrades, the program is being pursued as a compromise solution aimed at preventing the gradual obsolescence of the existing fleet.

According to the proposed schedule, preparatory procedures will begin this year, while the contract is projected to be signed in 2027. Delivery of the first upgraded aircraft is planned for 2031, with the final jet expected to enter service in 2037. As a result, the modernisation effort will span approximately ten years and extend beyond the timeframe of Greece’s current Medium Term Defence Equipment Plan.

The upgrade package will bring the aircraft to full Viper configuration, including the installation of AESA radar systems, integration of Link 16 data-sharing capabilities, and compatibility with external mission pods. The modernisation work will be carried out at the facilities of Hellenic Aerospace Industry, involving both its personnel and specialists from Lockheed Martin, the F-16 manufacturer. All contracts will be implemented through the US Foreign Military Sales framework.

The total cost of the program is estimated to exceed 1 billion euros, with part of the funding to be covered through financial credits outside the Medium Term Defence Equipment Plan.

Once the program is completed in 2037, the Hellenic Air Force is expected to operate more than 120 F-16 Viper aircraft, alongside its F-35 fighters and Rafale jets, creating a fully interoperable and modernised combat fleet.

By Tamilla Hasanova