Greece announces historic military overhaul, to sell F‑16 and Mirage jets

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced that the Greek Armed Forces are embarking on what he describes as "the largest reform program in the history of the modern Greek state," according to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini. This ambitious plan includes significant changes in aviation, with the Greek government aiming to retire and sell its older F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets. This move highlights the evolution of these iconic aircraft.

Nikos Dendias has indicated a strategic shift towards a more uniform and interoperable fleet. He explained, "We currently operate a diverse range of aircraft including F-4, Mirage 2000-5, various blocks of F-16s, and Rafales. This diversity hinders our operational efficiency. It's time to retire the F-4s and, if possible, sell them. The Mirage 2000-5, renowned for its exceptional capabilities, and the Block 30 F-16s are also earmarked for sale."

The decision is driven by the significant costs associated with maintaining a varied fleet and the necessity for modernizing or phasing out older aircraft. Dendias emphasized the future direction, "We plan to upgrade our F-16s to Viper standard, expand our Rafale fleet from 24 to possibly 30 units, and introduce the advanced Block 4 F-35s, which represent an evolution in fourth-generation aircraft capabilities."

Details about the number of fighter jets for sale and potential buyers remain unclear. However, The War Zone reports that the F-16s and Mirages may attract significant interest on the used aircraft market, although their pricing is not yet disclosed. It was previously reported that Greece retired 18 Mirage 2000 fighters in 2022, speculated to be sold for a relatively modest sum.

Despite being considered aviation veterans, these aircraft may still find buyers. Interest in them has been speculated, especially with Ukraine potentially seeking to bolster its air capabilities with Western aircraft. The likely receipt of Western F-16s by Ukraine this summer could make the sale of Greek fighters particularly relevant to Kyiv and its allies.

The F-16 remains a quintessential fourth-generation fighter jet, serving in nearly 30 world air forces. Its continuous production since 1977 by Lockheed Martin, exceptional weapon integration capabilities, and advanced technologies maintain its appeal. Capable of reaching speeds of about Mach 2 and equipped with modern avionics, the F-16 continues to be a formidable asset in aerial combat.

The Mirage 2000, produced by Dassault Aviation since 1983, has been a crucial component of French air power, gradually being replaced by the newer Rafale fighters. Known for its versatility, including the multi-role Mirage 2000-5 variant that Greece plans to sell, this aircraft can achieve speeds of about 1453 mph and is capable of carrying a diverse weapons load, including SCALP-EG cruise missiles and Exocet anti-ship missiles.

Both the Mirage 2000 and the F-16 have a storied history, having been contenders in Poland's landmark multi-role fighter competition, which ultimately saw the F-16 emerge victorious. This legacy underscores their enduring significance and potential value on the global stage.