Greece Redefines Strategic Balance in Mediterranean with Delivery of Final Rafale Fighter Jets
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
On January 9, 2025, Greece received its 24th and final Rafale F3R fighter-bomber, completing an ambitious procurement program that has enhanced the capabilities of its air force. The agreement, initiated in January 2021 with France, progressed rapidly, strengthening Greece’s sovereignty and its air superiority in a region characterized by persistent geopolitical tensions.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Greece’s Rafale fleet now consists of 18 single-seat Rafale EGs and six dual-seat Rafale DGs, replacing the aging Mirage 2000 EGM/BGM (Picture source: Hellenic Air Force)
The initial contract, signed on January 25, 2021, included 18 Rafale F3R aircraft, of which 12 were transferred from the inventory of the French Air and Space Force and six were newly manufactured. This first phase, with a total value of €2.5 billion, also included an advanced arsenal of missiles, such as the long-range METEOR, air-to-air MICA, SCALP cruise missiles, and AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles. In March 2022, a second contract added six new Rafales at an additional cost of €1.09 billion, reflecting Greece’s determination to quickly modernize its air capabilities.
The Rafale F3R, developed by Dassault Aviation, is a multirole combat aircraft designed to perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, deep strikes, maritime and ground attacks, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence. Powered by two Snecma M88-2 engines, it offers adaptability to modern operational requirements. Its active electronically scanned array radar, combined with the Talios targeting pod and the AGCAS ground collision avoidance system, enhances its precision and survivability. Equipped with advanced weaponry such as the METEOR, SCALP, and AM39 Exocet missiles, the Rafale is a versatile platform capable of handling complex missions.
The first batch of Rafales was delivered in January 2022 to the 332 “Hawk” Squadron, based at Tanagra. This swift delivery enabled Greece to integrate the aircraft into its defensive posture promptly. By September 2023, the squadron had achieved full operational capability with the initial 18 jets. The six additional aircraft from the second contract were delivered in just three months, between October 2024 and January 2025, highlighting the efficiency of the collaboration between France and Greece. The final aircraft, a single-seat model with serial number 457, was received at Mérignac in December 2024 before joining the Tanagra base.
Greece’s Rafale fleet now consists of 18 single-seat Rafale EGs and six dual-seat Rafale DGs, replacing the aging Mirage 2000 EGM/BGM. This modernization represents a significant technological leap, enhancing the country’s ability to safeguard its airspace, particularly amid tensions in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. Greek media have noted the strategic advantage offered by the introduction of METEOR missiles, which effectively secure Athens’ FIR against potential threats.
Despite this program’s success, the future expansion of the fleet remains uncertain. While acquiring an additional six to twelve Rafales has been discussed, the Greek government has prioritized the integration of 20 fifth-generation F-35A fighters, with initial deliveries expected in 2028. In a December 2024 interview, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that the current fleet of 24 Rafales, combined with the forthcoming F-35s, meets Greece’s immediate strategic needs. However, he left open the possibility of further Rafale acquisitions if circumstances require.
Greece’s air force currently operates a diverse and modernized fleet. In addition to the 24 Rafale F3Rs, it has approximately 154 F-16s across various configurations, with 83 undergoing upgrades to the Viper standard. The fleet also includes around 17 modernized Mirage 2000-5s and about 15 Mirage 2000 EGM/BGMs, primarily focused on anti-ship missions. This combination ensures robust air defense and versatile operational capabilities, with Greece already exploring ways to enhance its aerial superiority further in the medium term.
With the completion of the current Rafale program, Greece has demonstrated its ability to modernize its armed forces efficiently while diversifying its strategic partnerships with France and the United States. While the F-35 acquisition is confirmed, the potential for expanding the Rafale fleet remains a viable strategic option, reflecting Athens’ commitment to maintaining a technological edge in a region marked by complex geopolitical challenges.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
On January 9, 2025, Greece received its 24th and final Rafale F3R fighter-bomber, completing an ambitious procurement program that has enhanced the capabilities of its air force. The agreement, initiated in January 2021 with France, progressed rapidly, strengthening Greece’s sovereignty and its air superiority in a region characterized by persistent geopolitical tensions.
Greece’s Rafale fleet now consists of 18 single-seat Rafale EGs and six dual-seat Rafale DGs, replacing the aging Mirage 2000 EGM/BGM (Picture source: Hellenic Air Force)
The initial contract, signed on January 25, 2021, included 18 Rafale F3R aircraft, of which 12 were transferred from the inventory of the French Air and Space Force and six were newly manufactured. This first phase, with a total value of €2.5 billion, also included an advanced arsenal of missiles, such as the long-range METEOR, air-to-air MICA, SCALP cruise missiles, and AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles. In March 2022, a second contract added six new Rafales at an additional cost of €1.09 billion, reflecting Greece’s determination to quickly modernize its air capabilities.
The Rafale F3R, developed by Dassault Aviation, is a multirole combat aircraft designed to perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, deep strikes, maritime and ground attacks, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence. Powered by two Snecma M88-2 engines, it offers adaptability to modern operational requirements. Its active electronically scanned array radar, combined with the Talios targeting pod and the AGCAS ground collision avoidance system, enhances its precision and survivability. Equipped with advanced weaponry such as the METEOR, SCALP, and AM39 Exocet missiles, the Rafale is a versatile platform capable of handling complex missions.
The first batch of Rafales was delivered in January 2022 to the 332 “Hawk” Squadron, based at Tanagra. This swift delivery enabled Greece to integrate the aircraft into its defensive posture promptly. By September 2023, the squadron had achieved full operational capability with the initial 18 jets. The six additional aircraft from the second contract were delivered in just three months, between October 2024 and January 2025, highlighting the efficiency of the collaboration between France and Greece. The final aircraft, a single-seat model with serial number 457, was received at Mérignac in December 2024 before joining the Tanagra base.
Greece’s Rafale fleet now consists of 18 single-seat Rafale EGs and six dual-seat Rafale DGs, replacing the aging Mirage 2000 EGM/BGM. This modernization represents a significant technological leap, enhancing the country’s ability to safeguard its airspace, particularly amid tensions in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. Greek media have noted the strategic advantage offered by the introduction of METEOR missiles, which effectively secure Athens’ FIR against potential threats.
Despite this program’s success, the future expansion of the fleet remains uncertain. While acquiring an additional six to twelve Rafales has been discussed, the Greek government has prioritized the integration of 20 fifth-generation F-35A fighters, with initial deliveries expected in 2028. In a December 2024 interview, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that the current fleet of 24 Rafales, combined with the forthcoming F-35s, meets Greece’s immediate strategic needs. However, he left open the possibility of further Rafale acquisitions if circumstances require.
Greece’s air force currently operates a diverse and modernized fleet. In addition to the 24 Rafale F3Rs, it has approximately 154 F-16s across various configurations, with 83 undergoing upgrades to the Viper standard. The fleet also includes around 17 modernized Mirage 2000-5s and about 15 Mirage 2000 EGM/BGMs, primarily focused on anti-ship missions. This combination ensures robust air defense and versatile operational capabilities, with Greece already exploring ways to enhance its aerial superiority further in the medium term.
With the completion of the current Rafale program, Greece has demonstrated its ability to modernize its armed forces efficiently while diversifying its strategic partnerships with France and the United States. While the F-35 acquisition is confirmed, the potential for expanding the Rafale fleet remains a viable strategic option, reflecting Athens’ commitment to maintaining a technological edge in a region marked by complex geopolitical challenges.
