Carrier-based aircraft

The Air Force has received a new Rafale fighter jet, completing its acquisition of 24 of the French-made aircraft.

The single-seat jet, which bears the serial number 457, landed at the 114th Combat Wing in Tanagra air base shortly after 1 p.m., after a non-stop flight from Mérignac in Bordeaux, and was handed over to the 332nd Squadron.

The Hellenic Air Force plans to acquire weapons worth at least €1 bln to equip the upgraded F-16 Viper, older versions of the fighter jet, and the F-35s that Greece is set to receive by the end of the decade.

This initiative aims to address a critical gap created during the years of financial crisis, when defense budgets were virtually non-existent.

Greece and France are engaged in talks to enhance collaboration between their ground forces, building on the strong defense relationship between the two nations.

While previous cooperation focused on naval and air capabilities, including Greece's purchase of Rafale jets and French frigates, recent discussions are centered on synchronizing land military operations.

Senior military sources have interpreted Ankara's attempt to acquire at least one squadron of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft as an effort by Turkey to restore its air force balance with Greece. 

The France and the United Arab Emirates are discussing joint funding for the development of the future F5 variant within the Rafale club, which is still unofficial, reports a report in the French newspaper La Tribune titled “France and the United Arab Emirates discuss joint financing of the Rafale F5”.

Sinan Ciddi joins Thanos Davelis to look into the developing story around a reported proposal that could potentially see the US gain control of Turkey's S-400s in return for F-35s, and make the case that Ankara should prove it is ready to embrace NATO before Washington begins to open the door to any arms deals like the F-35s. 

From 30 September to 11 October 2024, the “Ramstein Flag 24” exercise will take place at Andravida Air Base, with the participation of the majority of NATO Allies.

The exercise will include more than 140 4th and 5th generation warplanes, including F-35, F-16V, Rafale, and others, as well as support aircraft from 13 Allies.

BELGRADE - Serbian PM Milos Vucevic said in the Serbian parliament on Monday he looked forward to an acquisition of French-made Rafale fighter jets as, alongside MiG-29 jets Serbia already had, they would make the country's skies even more secure.

Belharra frigates, Rafale fighters and (if we can afford them) F-35 fighter jets are all well and good. Greece urgently needed them. We had fallen hopelessly behind, particularly the Hellenic Navy. It is also very positive that, for the first time in decades, officials are studying and redesigning the link between armaments, the defense industry and innovation.

Greece will begin receiving the final batch of six Rafale fighter jets from France in late September.