Rafale Fighter Jet Delivered to Hellenic Air Force
French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation has successfully delivered the 24th and final Rafale fighter jet to the Hellenic Air Force, now stationed at the Tanagra air base. This significant addition to Greece’s military fleet was welcomed by the 332nd Squadron, marking a pivotal enhancement in the country’s aerial combat capabilities.
With this new single-seat aircraft, Greece now boasts a diverse fleet of combat aircraft, which already includes various configurations of F-16s and the upcoming F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. The delivery is a crucial part of a contract signed in March 2022, which involved the acquisition of six additional Rafale aircraft. This followed a substantial €2.5 billion ($2.5 billion) agreement made in January 2021 to purchase a total of 18 Rafale jets.
Details of the Rafale Acquisition
Under the terms of the 2021 contract, 12 of the 18 Rafale jets were previously in service with the French Air Force, while the remaining six are brand new aircraft. The Hellenic Air Force received its first Rafale jet just six months after the contract was finalized, signaling a swift integration of advanced technology into its operations.
The recent delivery underscores Greece’s commitment to bolstering its military capabilities. The country aims to operate a total of 200 aircraft from the 4.5 and 5th generation by 2030, which includes the F-16 Viper, F-35s, and Rafales. This strategic initiative is particularly crucial in light of escalating tensions with Turkey, Greece’s historical rival, as it seeks to enhance its air superiority and defense readiness.
