Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias on Monday unveiled an ambitious plan for the country’s military procurement program, announcing that by 2030, the Hellenic Air Force will field 200 4th and 5th generation fighter planes, while gradually phasing out older models.
The procurement plan, already in motion and slated for completion by 2030, was outlined by Dendias during his address at the General Directorate for Defense Investments and Armaments (GDDIA), the national agency responsible for the program management, development and purchase of weapon systems.
An inauguration ceremony welcoming an upgraded F-16 Viper at the Tanagra air base, north of Athens, Jan. 24 , 2023
Regarding the air force fleet, Dendias emphasized that the country wants to field 200 ultra-modern aircraft by 2030, with a strategic retirement plan for older aircraft. Simultaneously, he reiterated the government’s intent to build Constellation-class frigates in Greek shipyards, in addition to the already announced acquisition of French-made Belharra frigates.
“The agenda sets forth a vision where, by 2030, the Hellenic Air Force will possess 200 modern 4th and 5th generation aircraft, gradually phasing out 3rd and 4th generation aircraft. Furthermore, it entails bolstering and modernizing our fleet. The program for acquiring new frigates is already underway, but we are also considering our country’s involvement in the design and construction of new frigates, like the Constellation class, right here in Greece,” he said.
