First Six Rafale Jets Arrives in Greece

The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) welcomed the first six of a total of 18 Rafale aircraft at the Tanagra Air Base in the presence of the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.

The newly inducted aircraft are said to be entering the Hellenic Air Force’s 332 Squadron. These aircrafts are a part of the 18 aircraft deal signed last year between Greece and France.

Greek pilots, mechanics and HAF technicians were being trained at the Mérignac Conversion Training Center (CTC) and training of personnel is expected to continue in the coming months in France and Greece.

“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 mobilization, 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,” stated Éric Trappier .

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.