Greek F-16 for Ukraine: How much, why and when they can appear in the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces

Greece has announced the intention to sell old F-16 fighters Defense Express evaluates this possible agreement by analyzing it from quantitative, qualitative and value side, as well as trying to understand its possible terms on the background of what Greece purchases at once 20 F-35. F-16 Block 52+ to Viper, and also plans to buy additional French Rafale, in the country's defense department announced plans to sell their old machines: F-16 Block 30, Miraage 2000-5 and even F-4 Phantom.

In total, we are talking about 108 fighters: 32 F-16c/D Block 30, 24 Miraage 2000-5 MK. 2 and 33 F-4E PI2000. At the same time, Greece is quite optimistic to obtain for these machines a total of 2 to 2. 5 billion euros. But these estimates may well be very optimistic. At least finding customers on F-4 Phantom will be very difficult, because it is already an extremely outdated machines that remain in service only Turkey, South Korea, which also derives them, and Iran.

Regarding Miraage 2000-5, they may have interested India, which operates similar fighters. But the list of possible buyers is much wider because these French machines are also in service with Egypt, Taiwan and the UAE. But in terms of F-16, already in Greek profile defense editions, they actively write that Ukraine may well buy them or get otherwise. As for the F-16 Block 30, these machines were chosen by Greece to replace the F-5A in 1984.

It was planned to spend $ 940 million at the time, but the terms of the contract provided for localization and compensation agreements. But after very long bidding, the final value of the program was $ 659 million, and joint production was estimated at $ 240 million. In total, during 1989-1990, Greece received 34 Single F-16C and 6 double F-16d new construction.

In the second half of the 1990s, these aircraft were modernized "Medium Life Cycle" Falcon-Up with overhaul, replacement of four structural components of fuselage and extension of service life from 4000 to 8000 hours. The works were carried out Hellenic Aerospace Industry. Greece also purchased 24 Lantirn modules for their F-16 Block 30, which enabled them to use high-precision weapons for label for land purposes.

The planes also had to get an updated Aspis Reb Complex with an obstacle station for Alq-187 I-Dias. Thus, the Greek F-16, if compared to the Dutch, Danish, Belgian or Norwegian F-16, have a fresh basic version of Block 30 against Block 15. 'appeared in Block 25) unlike An/APG-66. But all these planes have undergone updates of "Middle Life Cycle" Falcon-Up and MLU, which, in fact, led them to one denominator.

As for the years of production of aircraft, it will be possible to say this only after the appearance of specific information on European F-16, but if the difference is, then within several years in favor of a little younger Greek machines. At the same time, Greek sources say that the resource of their fighter jets is exhausted by only 60%, but this, of course, needs verification.

The cost of such F-16 may well show a rather realistic agreement between Denmark and Argentina for the sale of 24 similar fighters. Currently, the cost is known: 24 used F-16 MLU for $ 338 million, ie 14 million per plane. In the case of a similar price tag on Greek - $ 448 million. Although Athens may want more, it can also be exceptionally conditional.

Because in case of intensification of these aircraft the Armed Forces, Greece will receive a discount on the purchase of new American weapons, including the same F-35. Thus, there is only a question of terms. The re-equipment of the Greek Armed Forces is planned by 2030, and the first F-35 should be received no earlier than 2028. F-16 Block 52+ up to Viper is not exactly announced.