On September 12, the Hellenic Air Force received the first two modernized Viper configuration F-16 fighter jets, out of an ordered 83, at the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAV) grounds in Tanagra, north-west Athens. The arrival of the Vipers was welcomed at a ceremony in the presence of National Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos.

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Another four F-16s will be upgraded by the end of this year (Picture source: Hellenic Air Force)

The first two Vipers will be used as training vehicles for the pilots of the Hellenic Air Force, while the EAV is ramping up production to deliver at least six more aircraft by the end of the year.

The latest upgrade will bring the 83 planes to the Block 72 variant, which is the most advanced version of the model in service in Europe. 

Another four F-16s will be upgraded by the end of this year. The F-16 upgrade itself includes 1.5 billion dollars across 8 years, but it is only a part of the 10 billion dollar F-16 program spanning 35 years of procurement and sustainment successes.

 The first two Vipers will be used as training vehicles for the pilots of the Hellenic Air Force, while the EAV is ramping up production to deliver at least six more aircraft by the end of the year (Picture source: Hellenic Air Force)