“Power multiplier that upgrades our country in operational, technological, but also geopolitical level”, he characterized the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis the new Rafale fighters during his greeting at the acceptance ceremony of the first six aircraft in Tanagra.
“This is a front-line geostrategic development, because the new fighters make our Air Force one of the strongest in Europe and the Mediterranean, which adds to the flexibility of our national diplomacy and the country’s multifaceted alliances. And of course it seals the defensive alliance of Greece and France, giving new breath to the perspective of the European strategic autonomy. In other words, the new Rafale landers today are ready to take off for a better, more peaceful tomorrow for the whole region. “I remind you that in a little while these aircraft will operate next to new French frigates with which they share not only weapons and electronic systems, but also a common business philosophy”, the Prime Minister noted.
Immediately afterwards, Mr. Mitsotakis spoke with the crews of the aircraft and wished them health and strength in their work for the homeland. On behalf of the pilots, the Chief of the General Staff of the Air Force, Rear Admiral (I) George Blioumis, handed him a static scale model of the Rafale aircraft, while the Prime Minister climbed into the cockpit of one of the six new aircraft.
Answering a question from the international media, Mr. Mitsotakis said: “This is a very important investment in the capabilities of the Greek Air Force. After a decade of austerity we are again able to upgrade the country’s defense capabilities. The arrival of the 6 Rafale, in record time since the political decision to acquire them was made, proves our commitment to constantly invest in the deterrent capacity of the country, always with absolute respect for the fiscal position in which we are.
I consider this to be a manifestation of our very important strategic partnership with France. As you know, the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement last year was an important step in laying the foundations for what could be a European defense strategy, which can always be complementary to NATO, while allowing Europe to build its own strategic autonomy “.
Changing balances in the Aegean and the Mediterranean
The remaining 12 Rafale will come to our country in two installments. The next 6 French warplanes are expected at the end of the year and the order will be completed at the beginning of 2023. It is not ruled out that in the next period the contract announced by Kyriakos Mitsotakis at TIF so that Greece acquires a total of 24 powerful Rafale.
All this time, pilots and technicians had gone to France to be trained by the staff of the construction company.
The French fighter jets acquired by the air force are superior to the Turkish F-16s, as they are 4th generation aircraft. They are equipped with weapons that allow them to carry out interception missions, air battles and strike missions. Rafale radars have a longer range, have modern weapons of the new generation and the missiles they carry give a significant advantage over Turkish warplanes.
Impressive welcome: Tanagra to Rafale: Welcome home
The six Greek, now, Rafale took off at 10.25 Greek time from Istria, France and after 2 hours entered the Greek FIR. Accompanied by two more Greek aircraft, they headed to a formation towards the Holy Rock of the Acropolis, through which they passed and then headed towards the Base of Tanagra.
There, in fact, remaining in an impressive formation, they fluttered their wings towards the attendees (essentially a greeting movement) and at the same time proceeded to low crossings. In fact, I did the touch and go features on the runway, demonstrating some of the capabilities of French aircraft.
Then the “hawks”, as their code name and the Control Tower called them, landed in Tanagra where “firefighters” were “waiting” for them, opening the cannons, as is usual when one receives new aircraft. After, therefore, they parked in the predetermined places and the aircraft engines were turned off, representatives of the Church undertook their sanctification.
Control tower: “Red hawk, welcome to your home, good landings, always safe. You mentioned above, a corridor in use 28 central, 1032 “.
Pilot: “Tanagra, the young hawks approach 332 and spread their wings. Greece we will look worthy of your expectations. The 332 Squadron flies into the future “. This was the communication of the Tanagra Control Tower with the Rafale pilots during the approach of the new fighter jets of the Hellenic Air Force on the runway of the 114th Battle Wing.
A few minutes earlier, the six French-made aircraft entered the Athens FIR accompanied by four Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets, while passing through the Attic sky and over the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis. Upon landing, the air base staff welcomed the new water arch fighters, welcoming them to the Squadron’s territory.
“A new chapter begins today for the 332 Squadron, including in its class one of the most modern fighter aircraft in the world, the Rafale aircraft. That’s why we’re proud to be part of the Air Force family. “We are proud to have pledged to serve our country,” he said the 332nd Squadron Commander, Lieutenant Commander (I) Michael Kourtis while reading the Agenda, adding that “we will continue to make every effort to make the best use of them in order to defend national interests and to contribute in every possible way to maintaining the security and integrity of the homeland.”
“France and Greece are united by a friendship of centuries. Our peoples share the same values of freedom and solidarity as a common vision for the future of Europe. The signing last year of our strategic partnership, the same year that Greece celebrated the 200th anniversary of the start of the Revolution, is more than symbolic. As we did in 1821, France is on the side of its friend, a partner in Europe and an ally in NATO, as the events of the summer of 2020 have clearly shown. This strategic relationship is a commitment that France and Greece will support. “each other in the future, always on the side of justice and freedom”, he stated, among other things, the Ambassador of the French Republic to Greece, Patrick Maisonnave.
“For Greece, Rafale is a fighter that really changes the data, giving the country a unique conventional deterrent capability. It will allow the Hellenic Republic to fully exercise its strategic autonomy and national sovereignty. It is an honor and a pleasure to work with your pilots and technicians. “Their skills and experience are a point of reference for us.” the CEO of Dassault, Eric Trappier.
Both Mr. Maisonnave and Mr. Trappier stressed that thanks to the very good bilateral relationship and cooperation it was possible to complete the delivery of the first Rafale and the completion of the training in such a short time.
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