“With the Viper, we are taking another big step into a new era for Armed forces. Time demands it. This is imposed by the threats and challenges facing our country today.” This was announced today from the ODA office in Tanagra by the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Panagiotopoulosduring the handover ceremony to the Air Force of the first two F-16 Viper fighters.

N. Panagiotopoulos referred to the contribution of Finance Minister Christos Staikouras and Development Minister Adonis Georgiadis, who were present at the ceremony. “in securing the best possible working conditions in the ODA”.

Referring to the F-16 Viper, “the most advanced F-16 aircraft in the world,” as he characteristically put it, the Minister of National Defense stressed: “It has been proven that the Greek aviation industry can do useful work. for the Armed Forces. What is required is to provide conditions for him to continue and expand his work.

“New dimensions” in the concept of deterrence

For his part, the Chief of the General Staff of National Defense, General Konstantinos Floros, noted that “this is the day when the Air Force is strengthened and, accordingly, the Armed Forces are strengthened.”

“We want to offer security and stability in our region. However, above all, we want the Armed Forces to defend sovereign rights, national independence and territorial integrity from any aggressor.”

Vice Admiral Themistocles Burolias, Chief of the General Staff of the Air Force (GAA), noted that with the upgrade of the F-16 to the Viper, “the concept of deterrence and operational effectiveness takes on new dimensions, which makes these aircraft a very important tool in combat.” operational planning and implementation of the national strategy”.

Regarding the new era that the Greek F-16 fleet is entering, the head of GEA emphasized that “it is planned to continue to modernize the F-16 Block50 and redefine the role of the F-16 Block30 with the aim of optimal operational use of each type in the spirit of economy and rationalization of use.”

Tzunis: “Principle for the USA” – Peace in the Southern Mediterranean

US Ambassador George Tsunis said he was fully satisfied with Lockheed Martin’s cooperation with the ODA, and also mentioned the defense agreement between Greece and the United States, stressing that it “increases interoperability and security.”

“Peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean,” he said, “is a start for the United States.”

Two fighters – a former Block 52+ of the 343rd Asteri Squadron and a former Block 52+ Advanced of the 336th Olympos Squadron – took off from the 114th Fighter Wing in Tanagra and headed for Souda. Both aircraft will immediately join forces with 343 Squadron to begin training their pilots.

Among others, Deputy Minister of National Defense Nikos Hardalias, Chief of the Naval General Staff Vice Admiral Stylianos Petrakis, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Land Forces Lieutenant General Georgios Kellis, representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Commander of the Special Military Command, Lieutenant General George Tsitsikostas, Head of Tactical Aviation Lieutenant General George Fasulas, representatives of the AAB and the American company Lockheed Martin.

What systems are included in the update?