Just heard on greek broadcaster SKAI TV that tonight Greece will send a LOR for LOA, asking for a squadron of 20 F-35's, with an option for another 20.
After the ratification of the renewed Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) by both US Congress and the Greek Parliament, the broadcaster said that there is a possibility the agreement will go on much faster than usual.
No link for the moment as it came as "breaking news" during the broadcast, but will provide as soon as its available.
Edit: Link (in Greek).
https://www.skai.gr/episimo-aitima-tis-elladas-stis-ipa-gia-f35
Moderators: richierich, ua900, PanAm_DC10, hOMSaR
Re: Greece ready to send LOR for F35
It will be awhile before these are delivered, but it's a good move for Greece, and gives them a leg up on Turkiye, who blew their chance.
Re: Greece ready to send LOR for F35
English news report: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/gr ... 022-06-30/
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece is also examining the purchase of a second group of the jets.
"Our intention is to acquire an F-35 squadron with a possible option for a second one. Sending a Letter of Request (LoR) which has happened in the past few days is part of this process," Mitsotakis told reporters after a NATO summit.
Sending a request is the first step in a multi-stage process, Mitsotakis said, adding that the government expected deliveries of the jets would begin in 2027-2028.
According to state ERT TV, the defence ministry also wants to proceed with the upgrade of 38 F-16 fighter jets.
Re: Greece ready to send LOR for F35
Will this have any effect on the Rafale orders?
Re: Greece ready to send LOR for F35
The first 6 Rafales arrived in Greece only 16 months after the order was placed. In my opinion the Rafale is an emergency purchase after tensions with Turkey rapidly escalated. Turkey and Greece had two frigates collide in 2020.
I expect the small Rafale order to be fine as Greece operates 200+ combat aircraft.
The F-35 order will be more long term and it will probably become the primary fighter for Greece. I could see Greece having 100+ F-35 aircraft once all the Mirage 2000, F-4 and F-16 are retired in 2040.
I expect the small Rafale order to be fine as Greece operates 200+ combat aircraft.
The F-35 order will be more long term and it will probably become the primary fighter for Greece. I could see Greece having 100+ F-35 aircraft once all the Mirage 2000, F-4 and F-16 are retired in 2040.
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- Draken21fx
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Re: Greece ready to send LOR for F35
I know that the Greeks are operating aircrafts from multiple countries for political reasons as well but in ~5 years time they will be operating Rafales, Mirages, F35, various versions of F16 plus F4s. Hardly economy of scale isnt it?
Also are they the only country in the world operating Vipers, Rafales and F35 at the same time?
Also are they the only country in the world operating Vipers, Rafales and F35 at the same time?
Re: Greece ready to send LOR for F35
Figure that when the F-35s come onboard, the fleet is reduced to F-35s, F-16s and Rafaels. That overall is pretty streamlined and gives you plenty of high/low options.
Re: Greece ready to send LOR for F35
Draken21fx wrote:I know that the Greeks are operating aircrafts from multiple countries for political reasons as well but in ~5 years time they will be operating Rafales, Mirages, F35, various versions of F16 plus F4s. Hardly economy of scale isnt it?
Also are they the only country in the world operating Vipers, Rafales and F35 at the same time?
I expect the Rafale to replace the Mirages and the F-35 to replace the F-4.
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- Draken21fx
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Re: Greece ready to send LOR for F35
Not an expert on the Greek Air Force but I believe Greece has two types of Mirages.The 2000-5 which have been modernised and will be flying until the 2030s and the EGM ones which are going to be retired.
Also there has been a rumour recently that Greece might be interested in second hand 2000-9 (similar to the Greek ones) from the UAE, so I dont think they are retiring their 2000-5 anytime soon, but rather they are looking to add to the fleet if the price is right. The Rafales seem to be a replacement for the older Mirage 2000 EGM/BGM.
The main benefit of the modernised ones is the capability to launch the SCALP EG missile, along with the Rafales. Greece does not have a naval platform from which it can launch the naval version of the SCALP missile.
So by the end of the decade the Greeks might be operating:
~20 Rafales
~20 F35s
82 F-16V
?? F-16 (modernised from parts of the above Vipers)
25 Mirage 2000-5
So basically for an airforce of around ~200 they will be having 4.5 different types of fighters (the Vipers are quite different from the Block 30/50). Isnt a tad too expensive to maintain?
Also there has been a rumour recently that Greece might be interested in second hand 2000-9 (similar to the Greek ones) from the UAE, so I dont think they are retiring their 2000-5 anytime soon, but rather they are looking to add to the fleet if the price is right. The Rafales seem to be a replacement for the older Mirage 2000 EGM/BGM.
The main benefit of the modernised ones is the capability to launch the SCALP EG missile, along with the Rafales. Greece does not have a naval platform from which it can launch the naval version of the SCALP missile.
So by the end of the decade the Greeks might be operating:
~20 Rafales
~20 F35s
82 F-16V
?? F-16 (modernised from parts of the above Vipers)
25 Mirage 2000-5
So basically for an airforce of around ~200 they will be having 4.5 different types of fighters (the Vipers are quite different from the Block 30/50). Isnt a tad too expensive to maintain?
Re: Greece ready to send LOR for F35
The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) will wave:
-24 Rafales of which 18 are to be delivered.
-24 Mirage 2000-5
-83 F-16V
-38 F-16 C/D upgraded to block 50+
-32 F-16 C/D block 30/32
And 20+20 F35s yet to be officially ordered.
The 35 F4-Es will be retired.
-24 Rafales of which 18 are to be delivered.
-24 Mirage 2000-5
-83 F-16V
-38 F-16 C/D upgraded to block 50+
-32 F-16 C/D block 30/32
And 20+20 F35s yet to be officially ordered.
The 35 F4-Es will be retired.
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