The Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, posted on twitter a photo of the first Rafale aircraft we received and wrote the following: “The first of a total of 18 Greek Rafale. A new generation aircraft of superiority, which multiplies the deterrent power of our Air Force and strengthens the defense capabilities of our country. The Greek wings are getting stronger “.
The first Rafale with Greek colors was delivered
“The choice of the French Rafale fighter market underlines the strategic nature of the Greek-French relations and the full support of France in our country, in the face of challenges and threats. It confirms a long tradition of excellent cooperation relations between our countries, both bilaterally and within regional and international organizations. ” This was emphasized by the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, during the acceptance ceremony of the first modern Rafale fighter aircraft, which took place today at the “125 Istres-Le Tubé” Air Base in Istre, France.
The minister was accompanied by the head of GEETHA, General Konstantinos Floros, and the head of GEA, Rear Admiral Georgios Blioumis. Referring to the choice of the French fighter jets, the Minister of National Defense said that “it demonstrates our determination to further strengthen not only our bilateral relations, but also our co-operation for stability and prosperity in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region within the common participation in the defense initiatives of the European Union and NATO “.
“This supply,” he continued, “will contribute to the further strengthening of the combat capability and deterrent power of the Air Force and the Armed Forces, whose main mission is to defend the territorial integrity and sovereign rights of our homeland.”
With the acquisition of Rafale, N. Panagiotopoulos underlined “the firepower of the Greek Air Force, but also the possibilities of power projection are multiplied. The special features of these aircraft with advanced electronic systems, in combination with their strategic weapons, make them an important factor of aviation superiority “.
As for whether the acquisition of Rafale changes the balance of power, the Minister of National Defense said: “I believe that he has already changed them. Otherwise the neighbors would not rush to look for ways, if you will, to decode Rafale. We hear a lot in the media these days. But the bottom line is that Greece now, from today, officially has Rafale in its ranks “.
The Chief of General Staff, General Konstantinos Floros, in his greeting, assured “both the commitment of the Greek Armed Forces to the strengthening of bilateral military cooperation between Greece and France, as well as our desire to strengthen our military ties and even higher level “.
At the same time, he commented that “our countries share the same values, have the same vision and work constantly and together to ensure peace and stability in the Mediterranean region and beyond. Therefore, this supply creates another strong link in our special relationship, while strengthening the already existing military ties that have been established through joint actions such as joint exercises and training, as well as high-level multinational activities and collaborations.
Referring to the integration of the first Rafale fighter aircraft in the Hellenic Air Force, he noted that “this very powerful fighter aircraft with the impressive capabilities that we all know very well that it has, as well as the number of missions it can undertake, offers our country a pure strategic advantage and brings the Greek Armed Forces in front of a new era! “.
The head of GEETHA congratulated all those who “worked to make today's historic event a reality. “I am absolutely convinced that you will all continue your amazing effort with the same dedication for the other 17 aircraft, which we expect to be delivered as soon as possible.”
“After the Mirage F1 in 1974, the Mirage 2000 in 1985 and the Mirage 2000-5 in 2000, it is Rafale's turn to proudly wear the colors of the Greek Air Force. The Rafale is an aircraft that is coming to change the data for the Air Force and will help ensure the leading position of Greece as a major regional power. “I would like to emphasize once again our full commitment to the success of Rafale in Greece,” said Eric Trapier, President and CEO of Dassault Aviation.
“This first delivery is successful just six months after the signing of the contract for the acquisition of 18 Rafale. This is the first aircraft, which together with the next five coming from the French Air Force will be used for the training of pilots and technicians of the Greek Air Force in France, before being transferred to the Tanagra air base. A first group of Greek Air Force pilots, who have been trained by the French Air Force for several months, will go with 50 technicians to the Rafale Training Center in Mérignac, France, to continue their training.
The surrender of the first Rafale is a clear proof of France's willingness to meet the expectations of the government of the Hellenic Republic and to take an active part in maintaining the country's sovereignty.
At the same time, it demonstrates the exceptional quality of the cooperation between Dassault Aviation and the Hellenic Air Force, through a stable partnership that has lasted for more than 45 years “, states a relevant announcement of Dassault Aviation.
Prior to the ceremony, the Minister of National Defense had a meeting with the CEO of Dassault Aviation Eric Trapier, with whom they exchanged views on issues of common interest.
The Chief of General Staff for the receipt of the first Rafale fighter aircraft
“Today we are looking into the future with great confidence” (Today we look to the future with great confidence). This was written on the official account of the Air Force on Twitter by the Chief of General Staff, Rear Admiral George Blioumis, on the occasion of today's acceptance ceremony of the first fighter aircraft “Rafale” of the Air Force in Istria, France.
