6 Rafale Of Hellenic Air Force (HAF) Arrive In Greece

Saint-Cloud (France): On January 19, Six Rafale of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF), operated by its pilots, took off from the Dassault Aviation site in Istres to the Tanagra Air Base, where they were welcomed in a ceremony by the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, accompanied by the Minister of National Defense Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos and Senior Greek authorities. Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, was also present to welcome their arrival.

The entry into operational service in the Hellenic Air Force’s 332 Squadron of these first six Rafale aircraft comes as a proof of the quality of the partnership between France and Greece, and occurs only one year after the signature of the contract for 18 aircraft. It is a testimony to the excellent relation between French and Greek authorities as well as between the Hellenic Air Force and Dassault Aviation teams, Dassault Aviation said.

Also read: Rafale Aircraft Inducted into No. 101 Squadron of IAF

The expertise of the training provided, in particular by Dassault Aviation, at the Mérignac Conversion Training Center (CTC), to Greek pilots, mechanics and HAF technicians, undeniably contributes to the success of this first ferry. The training of personnel will continue in the coming months in France and Greece.

The delivery of the next HAF Rafale will start at the end of 2022 with the objective to have all the fleet deployed at Tanagra Air Base by the summer of 2023.

“The mastery with which the Hellenic Air Force carried out this first ferry flight is a testimony to the excellence of our cooperation and the strength of our historical relationship with Greece for more than 45 years.

“Thanks to our mobilisation, we were able to meet the expectations of the Greek authorities in record time, who now have the Rafale on national territory to reinforce the protection and sovereignty of the country. It also attests to the outstanding quality of our aircraft, confirmed by its export success. Lastly, it reflects our total commitment to meeting the needs of the HAF and to participating in Greece’s strategic ambitions,” declared Éric Trappier at the end of the ceremony.

Current Issue

 

Social Media Updates

Recent

Steadfast to Defend the Skies: IAF’s Strategic Vision
18-11-2024

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, PVSM, AVSM Chief of...

Indian Navy Unveils ‘Samarthak’ Multi-Purpose Vessel
15-10-2024

   L&T Shipyard marked a significant milestone for the Indian...

Defence Minister Inaugurates 75 Border Infrastructure Projects
14-10-2024

  On October 12, 2024, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually...

Malabar 2024: Strengthening Naval Partnerships
14-10-2024

The ongoing Multilateral Maritime Exercise Malabar 2024 has brought together...

Indian Navy Launches Sixth Missile Cum Ammunition Barge
14-10-2024

The Indian Navy celebrated the launch of the ‘Missile Cum...