The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece of F-16 Sustainment Materiel Services and related equipment for an estimated cost of $270 million. This proposed sale will support the Government of Greece, which is an important partner for political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale will improve Greece’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing agile logistics support to its F-16 program, encompassing aspects of aircrew training and aircraft maintenance. The ability to provide this level of support to the F-16 program will increase its inter-operability with NATO forces and enhance its ability to provide for security of its borders.
The Government of Greece has requested to buy U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services for F-16 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP), F-16 Aircrew Training Device (ATD), Low Altitude Targeting and Infrared for Night (LANTIRN), and Reconnaissance (RECCE) Pods support programs; aircraft classified and unclassified aircraft software and software support; Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) software support; Joint Mission Planning Software (JMPS) support; participation in Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program (ECISAP), International Engine Management Program (IEMP), technical coordination groups; engine hardware; spare and repair/return parts and equipment.
Greece has demonstrated a continued commitment to modernizing its military and will have no difficultly absorbing this additional sustainment support into its armed forces. The Hellenic Air Force (or Greek Air Force) has ordered a total of 170 F-16 aircraft, including F16CD block 30, 50, and 52 aircraft. The principal contractors for this proposed sale are L3/Harris International, Melbourne, Florida; Lockheed- Martin Aero Corporation, Fort Worth, Texas; Collins Aerospace, Charlotte, North Carolina; Northrop Grumman Corporation, Falls Church, Virginia; Raytheon Company, Waltham, Massachusetts; and Atec, Incorporated, Houston, Texas.
In 1989 Greece purchased 40 BLOCK 30 under the Arms Programme “Peace Xenia I” and in 1997 40 additional BLOCK 50 aircraft were delivered to Greece as part of “Peace Xenia II”. The Hellenic Air Force is the first Air Force in the world to operate F-16C/D Block 52+ Fighting Falcon. The Hellenic Air Force’s BLOCK 52+ belong to 340 and 343 Squadrons with call signs “Fox” and “Star” respectively. Both squadrons are based in Souda Air Force Base (115 Combat Wing). The Hellenic Air Force’s BLOCK 52+ Adv belong to 335 Squadron with call signs “Tiger”. The squadron base is Araxos Air Force Base (116 Combat Wing).
