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The arrival of six lightly used F-35s (photos) could be coordinated with the gradual rollout of the 85 F-16 upgrade program. Photo US Marine Corps / Sgt. Audrey MC Rampton / Handout via REUTER
The Ministry of National Development advances in the formulation of the conditions for the transformation of the Air Force (UAE) into a body of power that, in addition to the proven value of its human resources, will be able to support an important range of companies throughout the Mediterranean Oriental. Defending. If this plan is successful, then the balance between the US and the Turkish air force will be overthrown in a relatively short time. On a practical level, the US will have access to equipment and technologies from three different countries, the United States, France and Israel. In all these proceedings, the Minister of National Defense Nikos Panagiotopoulos is in constant collaboration with the Chief of Staff George Blioumis and the Chief of Tactical Aviation Themis Bourolias.
According to well-informed sources, in the office of Mr. Panagiotopoulos there is a ready proposal for the USA for the acquisition of six F-35 fifth-generation fighters, with a few flight hours, which could be delivered to Greece even within 2021. In due time. Athens will push the plan for 18 more new aircraft of this type, for the US to end up with a total number of 24 F-35s. The promotion of the Greek application will be carried out, except for unforeseen circumstances, through a transnational agreement type FMS (American Pentagon), by sending a letter of request for a letter of offer and acceptance (Letter of Offer and Acceptance).
There are several ideas in the staff of the Ministry of National Defense on how the case of the six lightly used F-35s can move forward quickly, such as the use of some of the provisions of the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) regarding the use of your airbase. Souda. The arrival of six F-35s could also be coordinated with the gradual roll-out of the US F-85 upgrade program in a “Viper” configuration, so they can gradually work together. At the same time, the US and Lockheed Martin are discussing upgrading the older 38 F-16 Block 50 to a “Plus Advance” configuration, including the F-16 components that will be upgraded to Viper. These works will not be carried out in the ODA facilities, but in one of the PA Battle Wings, so that the Air Force can control their availability, based on the demanding daily flight work in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
Cooperation with France
On the part of cooperation with France, the supply of “Rafal” is expected to reach Parliament in December, while within the first half of 2021 the first six used are expected. At the same time, the 114th Battle Wing at Tanagra, also known as the “nest” of the Mirage-2000, is constantly updated as French fighter support moves rapidly. The Ministry of National Defense is in advanced talks with Italian manufacturers of C-27J “Spartan” transport aircraft, in order to improve their availability.
To this end, Mr. Panagiotopoulos sent three C-130s to Israel, in order to proceed with their maintenance work, in order to rejoin the fleet of those available in this type. However, in the aviation sector, cooperation with Israel runs much deeper. In addition to the two HERON UAVs, which have been delivered to the Palestinian Authority, discussions are ongoing for the supply of drones and UAV response and firing systems. These discussions take place in the context of contacts with the Israeli ELBIT, which will undertake the creation of an Air Center in Kalamata.
Israelis and Canadians are reportedly debating whether the CAE can contribute to this scheme, but this is a debate that does not concern the Greek government, which has already reached the final price (around 1.3 billion euros for 20 years) and the provision of services, including parking of training jets, made in Italy, type M-346.
The creation of the Air Center will help avoid the unpleasant prospect of sending Icarus abroad for jet training, given the antiquated character of the once-reliable, but now highly problematic T-2 Buckeye in the AP’s arsenal. . since 1976. The cycle of interventions in the US is complemented by the increase in admissions to the Icarus School, so that in the coming years there will be a sufficient number of pilots, who will be able to support the multiplicity of combat aircraft that will make up the air power for the next 15 years.
The new ODA
“Agathi” remains at the moment the ODA, which, despite the efforts, does not have the capacity to satisfactorily support neither the work of its main clients, nor the needs of PA. The government has opted for a mix in which some hiring will be carried out gradually, so that the F-16 program can advance satisfactorily and, subsequently, a strategic investor will join ADA, who will not risk any of the existing programs of P .UNA. The new ODA should be able to adequately and in time support the multiplicity of aircraft just mentioned.
Despite evident optimism in the UAE, seasoned observers point out that the government’s ambitious plan has funding as a basic condition. Given the current situation, that is, the emergency, that is, state expenditures to deal with the pandemic, the arms budget may be affected again.
However, they said that a way must be found to promote air power and excellence programs, where Greece maintains an undeniable quality advantage, while, by building countermeasures for UAVs and drones, the country’s entry can be achieved. to a technological fight. peak, albeit slightly delayed, due to the economic crisis of the previous decade.
