In a program that would require an investment of around 1 billion euros, the Hellenic Air Force has received the green light from the Greek parliament to carry out the modernization of 38 F-16 Block 50 fighters to the more advanced Block 70 standard, an initiative that had already been pushed by the Greek executive branch for months. This major investment would take place at the same time that Athens is seeking to acquire new air defense systems to strengthen its current capabilities, an initiative known as “Achilles’ Shield,” for which more than 3 billion additional euros would need to be allocated.
Expanding on the details, it is worth noting that the news was disclosed to Reuters by two high-ranking parliamentary sources widely familiar with the matter, which is no minor detail considering that the corresponding session was held behind closed doors. In the words of one of these officials: “The parliamentary committee approved the project and also the modernization of the F-16s.”
It is also useful to mention that the 38 F-16 Block 50 fighter jets currently in service with the Hellenic Air Force were acquired during the 1990s, although the full fleet also includes Block 50+ and Block 52+ models purchased during the 2000s that had already been selected to undergo a modernization process. By September 2025, the service already had around 42 aircraft from this group equipped to the Viper standard, reflecting the efforts the European country has been making to keep its combat capabilities up to date.
Along those lines, and recalling that the country also operates F-16 fighters of the Block 30 variant purchased in 1989, Greece stands out as one of the most important current users of the US-made platform. In addition, in order to field a fleet of more than 200 operational aircraft, it is necessary to mention the purchase of new F-35A stealth fighters, which will enable the replacement of its F-4 Phantom II aircraft; this in itself represents a significant leap in capabilities. In addition, 24 Dassault Rafale F3R fighters were acquired from France, with which the Air Force aims to replace its Mirage 2000-5 models.
Other aspects of the package recently approved by the Greek parliament
As mentioned initially, the recent session of the Greek parliament not only resulted in approval for the modernization program for the Hellenic Air Force’s F-16 Block 50 fighter jets, but also in the green light to add new air defense systems. Under the name “Achilles’ Shield,” the program would require more than 3 billion euros and would be carried out together with Israeli companies according to the available information, in an attempt to establish a layered network similar to that formed by the Spyder, Barak MX, and David’s Sling systems, for short-, medium-, and long-range coverage respectively.
According to reports from local Greek publications, this decision reportedly sparked significant complaints from the opposition, especially from the Communist Party and the Course of Freedom party. In detail, they argued that the process promoted by the ruling party did not include any kind of comparative study with other systems as alternatives to the Israeli offer, which was one of the reasons why they voted against it. Even so, with the presence of other parties such as PASOK, Niki, SYRIZA, and Greek Solution, the government managed to pass the measure. Speaking by videoconference from London, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias celebrated the news, stating that the new air defense system constituted “an important core of the new deterrence program.”
Among other items addressed in the package recently approved by parliament, it is also worth highlighting that Greece is now also poised to move forward with the modernization of its outdated MEKO 200 ships, a project that the Hellenic Navy has been studying for years together with the German company Thyssenkrupp and the French firm Thales. In addition, a new contract was approved to guarantee the maintenance of the country’s C29J aircraft fleet, which is used for transport missions.
Finally, it should be noted that all of these approvals must still be ratified by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense, also known by its acronym KYSEA. This is the highest body when it comes to defining national defense policy and the Armed Forces’ long-term acquisition programs, among other matters, so its approval is required to officially set them in motion.
Images used for illustrative purposes
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