The aircraft are re-entering the Air Force with upgraded capabilities and are indeed among the most advanced F-16s in Europe.
The Air Force received today, Monday, September 12, the first two F-16 fighters upgraded to the Viper version.
The aircraft are re-entering the Air Force with upgraded capabilities and are indeed among the most advanced F-16s in Europe.
As announced by the American company Lockheed Martin, which in collaboration with the Hellenic Aviation Industry (EAB) jointly delivered today to the Air Force the first two F-16 Viper fighters“the aircraft enable the Air Force to successfully address emerging threats in the region and operate as part of allied missions worldwide.”
In particular, the main systems being upgraded as part of the program include the following:
– AESA APG-83 radar
– New Modular Mission computer (MMC-7000AH), ADT
– New information and display screens between the footrests
– New APX-126 AIFF with mod 5 capability
– Integration of SNIPER POD, SASSM and PaveWay II projectiles
– Link-16 capability
F-16 upgrades are carried out at ODA under close technical guidance from Lockheed Martin teams.
The ODA staff working on the F-16 Viper program consists of a core group of more than 21 experienced employees, while dozens of new employees have been hired and trained so far during four different phases.
The upgrades of F-16s to Vipers, the statement added, have brought jobs and investments to Greece. Specifically, Lockheed Martin’s programs have led to more than 350 new ODA hires by 2021, more than have been made in an entire decade.
The history
The first F-16 to be upgraded joined the ODA in February 2020. The aircraft was ready for test flights in early 2021. It then flew to the US for more flight and ground tests, which took place in February 2021.
Other aircraft joined in March and April 2021, completing flight tests this summer.
Deliveries to ODA continue, while it is worth noting that the 12 berths in the Tanagra hangar are occupied with aircraft and upgrade work.
The upgrade of all 83 Air Force F-16s to Vipers is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027.
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