The Greek government is considering the purchase of six French-made Rafale fighter jets, local media reported. Greece placed the initial order for 18 Dassault Rafale fighter jets for the Greek Air Force in January 2021. The contract includes 12 used Rafale fighter jets from the French Air Force and 6 new aircraft, all of the F3R standard, as well as a number of weapons (anti-aircraft missiles). Exocet ships and SCALP cruise missiles).
The deduction of fighter jets from the French air force fleet allowed a faster and cheaper acquisition for Greece, following territorial tensions with Turkey. The first six fighter jets, taken from the French Air Force's inventory, are expected to arrive in Greece in July 2021. The rest of the order will be delivered in two installments, in 2022 and 2023.
The contract was estimated at 1.92 billion euros for aircraft, with another 400 million euros for armaments.
Greek authorities could also consider extending the 332nd "Falcon" Squadron to 24 aircraft. "A squadron has at least 18 fighter jets. A good number for a war squadron is 24 ", said a military source for the local press. The squadron is to be located in Tanagra, the birthplace of the 114th Combat Wing of the Greek Air Force. The squadron is accustomed to aircraft made in France. After using Mirage F1CG aircraft from 1975 to 2003, it is now equipped with Mirage 2000-5 aircraft.
Four Greek Air Force pilots have already started training in France to get used to the Dassault Rafale fighter jet. Greek technicians have also begun training with their French counterparts.