The Hellenic Air Force has taken delivery of its 50th modernized, Viper version of the F-16 fighter aircraft, the Hellenic Aircraft Industry (HIA) and Lockheed Martin jointly announced today.
The two companies implementing the modernisation programme for this type of fighter aircraft say in their statement that “the delivery confirms the progress of one of the most ambitious fighter aircraft upgrade programmes in Europe”.
“The transition to the Viper version enhances the Air Force’s operational capabilities, allowing operators to detect, track and respond to threats with greater speed and precision. These capabilities were recently validated under real-world conditions during the conduct of Exercise Honeymoon 2026 – a high-intensity, multi-aircraft operation where advanced sensors and mission systems supported the execution of complex missions in full cooperation with allied forces,” the statement highlights.
“The delivery of the 50th F-16 Viper confirms that a highly demanding effort is now progressing at a steady and accelerating pace, delivering substantial benefits to the Air Force’s operational capabilities. We remain fully committed to completing the program with consistency and accountability,” said Alexandros Diakopoulos, Executive Chairman of the EAB.
In addition to enhancing the Air Force’s operational capabilities, the F-16 upgrade program has a substantial footprint on domestic technical support for the fleet.
With the support of Lockheed Martin’s teams, the project being implemented at EAB strengthens the technical competence of Greek engineers and technicians, ensuring that fleet maintenance and modernization is carried out domestically, for the benefit of long-term operational readiness, the statement said.
“As the F-16V program moves forward, the challenge now is not only to enhance operational capabilities but also to develop the support base necessary to sustain them over time,” said Lockheed Martin Integrated Fighter Group Vice President Mike Shoemaker.
“Lockheed Martin’s partnership with Greece aims to strengthen the domestic capability to support the Air Force by investing in the manpower, expertise and infrastructure that will support it in the coming years,” he added.
Through the cooperation with the American company, EAB continues to strengthen its technical expertise and expand the capabilities of the Greek aerospace industry.
The project being executed at Tanagra allows the Air Force to maintain and modernize its fleet domestically while enhancing NATO’s operational readiness, the statement added.
