The last Rafale flew non-stop from Dassault’s manufacturing facility in Bordeaux, France.
ATHENS: Greece, Turkey’s most powerful rival, is now equipped with Rafale fighter jets. The Hellenic Air Force has officially completed the procurement of 24 Rafale fighter jets. Greece received the last Rafale aircraft at Tanagra Air Base on January 9.
The last Rafale of the Hellenic Air Force landed at Tanagra Air Base in Greece after a direct flight from Dassault’s manufacturing facility in Bordeaux, France.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology and superior combat capabilities, the Rafale fighter jet is currently in service with the 332nd Squadron of the Hellenic Air Force. The squadron was established in January 2022 after extensive training in France and is now fully capable of carrying out air missions. With the introduction of these aircraft, Greece solidified its position as one of the most advanced air forces in the region.
The first Rafale contract, signed in January 2021, included 12 used Rafale jets and six new Rafale jets. The total cost was approximately US$2.7 billion. These included the cost of weapons, training and infrastructure at Tanagra Air Base, in addition to fighter aircraft.
After the Rafale acquisition, Greece is currently focused on purchasing 20 F-35 Lightning II aircraft from the United States, with options for an additional 20 aircraft. This is expected to further increase Greece’s air transport capacity.
The U.S. State Department approved the sale of 40 F-35 fighter jets to Greece in January 2024, worth a total of $8.6 billion. Overall, France’s Rafale is part of a broader strategy to improve Greece’s air defense capabilities as tensions rise in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Greece and Turkey are at odds.
The completion of Greece’s takeover of Rafale jets has been hailed as a significant moment by Greek media, with Athens now claiming clear air superiority over Ankara.
Greece and Turkey have long been at odds over islands in the Aegean Sea. These areas are important oil and gas reserves. Tensions escalated in 2020 when Turkey attempted to drill in the disputed area. In addition, Turkey also carried out seismic surveys on Greek islands.
The Rafale fighter jet is 4.5 generation and can fire Meteor missiles. Turkey currently has F-16s, but they cannot fire missiles like the Meteor. Greek defense analysts claim that the acquisition of the Rafale jets has significantly strengthened Greece’s strategic deterrence. The Rafale’s cutting-edge technology, including advanced radar systems and powerful weapons, puts Greece at a clear advantage. However, some experts warn that the cost of operating and maintaining these advanced jets could impact Greece’s defense budget.
