Hellenic Air Force

Hellenic Air Force Πολεμική Αεροπορία
Hellenic Air Force's seal
Founded	1930 (1930)
Country	Greece
Role	National defense and air superiority
Size	approx. 33,000 personnel 448+ aircraft 8 types of air defence systems
Part of	Hellenic Armed Forces
Patron	Archangels Michael and Gabriel
Motto(s)	Αἰὲν Ὑψικρατεῖν "Always Dominate the Heights"
Engagements	Balkan Wars World War I Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922) World War II Greek Civil War Korean War Turkish invasion of Cyprus Operation Desert Storm War on Terror 2011 military intervention in Libya
Commanders
Chief of Air Force General Staff	Air Marshal Christos Christodoulou
Insignia
Identification symbol	ΠΑ
Roundels
Fin flash
Flag (1973–1978)
Aircraft flown
Attack	F-16, Mirage 2000, Mirage 2000-5 Mk2, F-4E Phantom II
Fighter	F-16 Fighting Falcon
Interceptor	Mirage 2000, Mirage 2000-5 Mk2
Reconnaissance	Embraer E-99A, RF-4E, Pegasus II, P-3 Orion
Trainer	T-41, T-6 Texan II, T-2
Transport	C-27J, C-130, ERJ-135, Gulfstream V, Bell 212, Super Puma, Bell 205, Canadair CL-215, Canadair CL-415

The Hellenic Air Force (HAF; officially Greek: Πολεμική Αεροπορία, Polemikí Aeroporía, literally "War Aviation", sometimes abbreviated as ΠΑ) is the air force of Greece (with Hellenic being a synonym for Greek). The mission of the Hellenic Air Force is to guard and protect Greek airspace, provide air assistance and support to the Hellenic Army and the Hellenic Navy, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid in Greece and around the world. The Hellenic Air Force includes approximately 33,000 active troops, of whom 11,750 are career officers, 14,000 are professional conscripts (ΕΠ.ΟΠ.), 7,250 are volunteer conscripts and 1,100 are women. During the period of monarchy between 1935–1973 the force was known as the Royal Hellenic Air Force (RHAF) (Greek: Ἑλληνικὴ Βασιλικὴ Ἀεροπορία, Ellinikí Vasilikí Aeroporía). The motto of the Hellenic Air Force is the ancient Greek phrase Αἰὲν Ὑψικρατεῖν (Aièn Hypsikrateîn), "Always Dominate the Heights"), and the HAF ensign represents a flying eagle in front of the Hellenic Air Force roundel. The Hellenic Air Force is one of the three branches of the Hellenic Armed Forces.

History

Main article: History of the Hellenic Air Force

Foundation

In 1911, the Greek Government appointed French specialists to form the Hellenic Aviation Service. Six Greek officers were sent to France for training, while the first four "Farman" type aircraft were ordered.All of the six graduated from the Farman school in Étampes near Paris, but only four served subsequently in aviation. The first civilian Greek aviator who was given military rank was Emmanuel Argyropoulos, who flew in a Nieuport IV.G. "Alkyon" aircraft, on February 8, 1912.

The first military flight was made on May 13, 1912 by Lieutenant Dimitrios Kamberos. In June, Kamberos flew with the "Daedalus", a Farman Aviation Works aircraft that had been converted into a seaplane, setting a new world average speed record at 110 km/h (68 mph) and the foundations of Naval Aviation. During September of the same year, the Greek Army fielded its first squadron, the "Aviators Company" (Λόχος Αεροπόρων).

Balkan Wars and aftermath

Airco De Havilland D.H.9 bomber in Izmir/Smyrna (1919)

On October 5, 1912, Kamberos flew the first combat mission, a reconnaissance flight over Thessaly.This was the first day of the Balkan wars, and during the same day a similar mission was flown by German mercenaries in Ottoman service in the Thrace front against the Bulgarians.The Greek and the Ottoman mission flown during the same day are the first military aviation combat missions in a conventional war.As a matter of fact all Balkan countries used military aircraft and foreign mercenaries during the Balkan Wars. January 24, 1913 saw the first naval co-operation war mission worldwide, which took place above the Dardanelles. Aided by the destroyer Velos, first Lieutenant Michael Moutoussis and Ensign Aristeidis Moraitinis flew the Maurice Farman hydroplane and drew up a diagram of the positions of the Turkish fleet, against which they dropped four bombs. This was not the first air-to-surface bombing in military history as there was a precedent in the Turkish Italian war of 1911, but the first recorded attack against ships from the air.

Initially, the Hellenic Army and the Royal Hellenic Navy operated separate Army Aviation and Naval Aviation units. During the Balkan Wars, various French Henry and Maurice Farman aircraft types were in use. Naval Aviation was officially founded in 1914 by the then CinC of the Hellenic Navy, British Admiral Mark Kerr. Greek aviation units participated in World War I and the Asia Minor Campaign, equipped by the Allies with a variety of French and British designs.

In 1930, the Aviation Ministry was founded, establishing the Air Force as the third branch of the Armed Forces. The Hellenic Army Air Service and Hellenic Naval Air Service were amalgamated into a single service, the Hellenic Air Force. In 1931 the Hellenic Air Force Academy, the Scholi Ikaron (Σχολή Ικάρων), was founded.

In 1939, an order for 24 Marcel Bloch MB.151 fighter aircraft was placed, but only 9 of the aircraft reached Greece, since the outbreak of World War II prevented the French from completing the order. The aircraft served in the 24th Pursuit Squadron (MD – Moira Dioxis) of the then Hellenic Royal Air Force.

World War II and Civil War

Drawing of a PZL P.24, the main Greek fighter in the Greco-Italian War. The Δ120 means that the plane belonged at Marinos Mitralexis

Greek pilots of the 335th Fighter Squadron in Egypt (1942).

During the Second World War, although being severely outnumbered, counting only 79 aircraft against the 380 fighters and bombers available to the Italian Regia Aeronautica, RHAF managed to successfully resist the Italian invasion in 1940. On November 2, 1940, a Breguet 19 intercepted the 3 Alpine Division Julia while it was penetrating Pindos mountain range and moving on to occupy Metsovo. At the same day, Second Lieutenant Marinos Mitralexis, being out of ammunition, aimed the nose of his PZL P.24 (his aircraft imaged below from the paragraph title in mobile version) right into an enemy Cant Z1007bis tail, smashing the rudder and sending the bomber out of control. However, after 65 days of war, the RHAF had lost 31 officers killed and seven wounded, plus four NCOs killed and five wounded. Meanwhile, the number of combat aircraft had dropped to 28 fighters and seven battleworthy bombers. Still, on March 1941 the Italian invasion was confronted successfully. During the Greco-Italian War the Hellenic Air Force shot down 64 enemy aircraft (confirmed) and claimed another 24. Actually, according to other sources, Italians lost 65 aircraft during the whole campaign, against Greeks and British, getting 495 more aircraft damaged. In April 1941 the German Wehrmacht invaded Greece to assist her Italian allies. The Luftwaffe destroyed almost the entire Hellenic Air Force; some aircraft managed to escape in the Middle East. The top ace of Hellenic Air Force was Andreas Antoniou with 5.5 victories.

Five Avro Anson, one Dornier Do 22 and three Avro 626 escaped. Hellenic aviation was rebuilt under the Air Force Ministry based in Cairo. Three Hellenic squadrons were built, which were operating under the command of the British RAF. These squadrons were the 13th Light Bombing Squadron, with Avro Ansons, Bristol Blenheims and Martin Baltimores, and the 335 and 336 Fighting Squadrons, with Hawker Hurricane I and IIs and Spitfire V types. The Hellenic Squadrons in the Middle East took over a variety of missions, such as convoy patrols, antisubmarine search, offensive patrols, reconnaissance, attacks and interceptions of enemy aircraft. In summer 1943 the Greek Squadrons participated in the attack against the German Wehrmacht on the island of Crete. From May to November 1944 the Greek squadrons continued in Italy. Greek pilots operated with great success. Two of those pilots were Pilot Officer G. Tsotsos and Master Sergeant D. Soufrillas flying Spitfires credited with shooting down German Junkers 88 bombers. Seventy men were lost.

During World War II Greek pilots who were flying with the RAF achieved many victories. Rhodesian-born Wing Commander John Agorastos Plagis shot down 16 enemy aircraft over Malta and Western Europe. Flying Lieutenant Vasilios Michael Vassiliadis was credited with 11.5 enemy aircraft over Western Europe before he was killed in action on March 15, 1945 over Germany. Steve Pisanos, an immigrant to USA in 1938, joined an Eagle Squadron of American volunteers in the RAF and fought over Western Europe. He later joined the USAF and took US citizenship to continue fighting with the same squadron, now part of the USAF 4th FG. He achieved 10 victories with USAF by 1944.

After Greece's liberation in 1944, RHAF returned home and subsequently played a decisive role in the Greek Civil War, which lasted until 1949, re-equipped with Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX, Spitfire Mk XVI fighters and Curtiss SB2C Helldiver bombers.

Post-war developments

A Douglas C-47 Dakota of the Royal Hellenic Air Force in 1953

After the end of the Greek Civil War in November 1950, Greece sent seven Douglas C-47 Dakota transport aircraft of the 13th Transport Aircraft Squadron to South Korea to assist the United Nations. The Greek aircraft operated in Korea until May 1955. Greek pilots flew thousands of war missions, including air evacuations, personnel transport, intelligence gathering and supply flights.

In 1952 Greece was admitted to NATO and the Air Force was rebuilt and organized according to NATO standards, with US assistance. New aircraft, including jets, were introduced.

The first jet fighter interceptor design to be flown by the Hellenic Air Force was the F-84G Thunderjet,from which the first Hellenic Acro-Team was created (337 SQ). Later was replaced by Canadair Sabre 2. About 100 examples were supplied during 1954 and 1955 after upgrading in the United Kingdom following service with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Lockheed T-33s were delivered to training units and some RT-33's were used for reconnaissance missions.

The Republic F-84F first flew with the Hellenic Air Force in 1955. The Thunderstreak was developed to overcome the limitations of the Thunderjet's straight flying surfaces. The RF-84F was the reconnaissance version of the F-84 F Thunderstreak. This aircraft remained operational with the 348 Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron of the Hellenic Air Force from 1956 to March 29, 1991.

In the late 1960s, the RHAF acquired new jet aircraft. These included the Lockheed F-104G Starfighter, the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger (in service 1969–1975) and the Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter. The F-104 and F-5 served well for almost 20 years.

In the mid-1970s the Hellenic Air Force was further modernized with deliveries of the Dassault Mirage F1CG fleet, Vought A-7H/TA-7H Corsair II and the first batch of McDonnell-Douglas F-4E Phantom IIs, upgraded versions of which still serve today.

Also in 1993, the United States Air Force delivered 62 Vought A-7E/TA-7C Corsair IIs, increasing the air-to-ground capability of the HAF. Some of the A-7s were still in service as of 2011 with the Hellenic Air Force, pending deliveries of 4.5 generation fighters.

Modernization

Hellenic Air Force RF-4E Phantom II, in a special color scheme, lands at RIAT 2008, UK

Until the late 1980s the Air Force deployed Nike-Hercules Missiles armed with U.S. nuclear warheads. As a result of Greco-Turkish tensions around the 1974 Turkish invasion in Cyprus, the U.S. removed its nuclear weapons from Greek and Turkish alert units to storage. Greece saw this as another pro-Turkish move by NATO and withdrew its forces from NATO’s military command structure from 1974 to 1980.

In March 1985 the Greek government announced the purchase of 34 F-16C Block 30 and 6 F-16D Block 30 in a program called Peace Xenia I. In the same month Greece ordered 36 single-seat Mirage 2000EG and 4 two-seat Mirage 2000BG, as part of the "Talos" modernization program.

In 1989 the first fourth-generation fighters were introduced, marking the beginning of a new era: the first Mirage 2000 EG/BG aircraft were delivered to the 114 Combat Wing in Tanagra airforce base and equipped the 331 and 332 squadrons. In January 1989 the first F-16C/D Block 30 arrived in 111 combat wing in Nea Anchialos airforce base and were allocated to the 330 "Thunder" and 346 "Jason" interceptor squadrons in Larissa airforce base.

On March 29, 1991, the RF-84F were retired from service after 34 years and 7 months of operational life. In November 1992 more RF-4Es were delivered to the 348 "Eyes" Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron.

In 1993 Peace Xenia II program began. Greece ordered 32 F-16C and 8 F-16s, Block 50 version. The first Block 50 was delivered on July 25, 1997. These aircraft, equipped with the LANTIRN navigation and targeting pod as well as AIM-120 AMRAAM and AGM-88 HARM missiles, were allocated to the 341 "Aces" and 347 "Perseus" squadrons in Nea Anchialos airforce base.

The basic mission of 341 "Aces" squadron is Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD). The role of 347 "Perseus" squadron is air-to-ground missions.

LTV TA-7C Corsair II departs after the Royal International Air Tattoo, England (2014)

Entering the 21st century

Greek F-16D

Greece participated in NATO "nuclear weapons sharing" until 2001, using A-7 Corsair IIs to deploy tactical B61 nuclear warheads from Araxos Air Base. Greece then strategically decided to remove all nuclear weapons under storage in Greece and did not purchase any more aircraft with nuclear mounting capabilities.

In 1998 Greece decided, in cooperation with the German Aerospace Industry (DASA) and Hellenic Aerospace Industry(EAB), to upgrade 39 F-4E Phantom IIs. After many problems, the first aircraft were delivered in Andravida Air Base, in December 2002. This aircraft, which is called "Princess of Andravida" (s/n 72-01523), is unique because it doesn't have the M61 Vulcan gun installed. The upgraded aircraft are equipped with a new radar AN/APQ-65 YG similar to this of F/A-18 Hornet, mission-control computer, Head Up Display, IFF Interrogator, Multi Function Displays and are capable of carrying a large variety of advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including the AIM-120 AMRAAM (only the -B edition), the AIM-9M missile, the AFDS and all the family of the Paveway (I, II and III) laser-guided bombs. These aircraft are called F-4E Peace Icarus 2000 (PI2000) or F-4E Phantom II AUP (Avionics Upgrade Program) and are operating with the 338 Squadron "Ares" and 339 Squadron "Ajax based in Andravida Air Base in multi-role missions. Recently, according to 338 Squadron "Ares" crews, the F-4E Phantom II PI2000(AUP) has been certified for use of GBU-27 Paveway III laser-guided bombs, making the aircraft an excellent and modern weapon platform for precision strikes.

Entering the 21st century, Greece decided to purchase a large number of fighter aircraft, to replace the non-upgraded F-4E Phantoms, a number of A-7 Corsairs, and the fleet of Mirage F1CGs.

In the year 2000 Greece ordered 60 F-16C/D Block 52+ and 15 Mirage 2000-5Mk.2. The order for the F-16s was about 50 single-seat of the C version and 10 two-seat of the D version. Also, Greece decided to upgrade 10 of its existing Mirage 2000EGs to Mirage 2000-5Mk.2 standards.

In September 2004, Greece started the Mirage 2000BG/EG fleet upgrade to the standard 2000-5 Mk2 and the project was undertaken by the French manufacturer Dassault Aviation and the EAB. Fifteen new aircraft were delivered. The Mirage 2000-5Mk.2 has a new more powerful radar, improved Air To Ground capabilities including the SCALP EG Cruise Missile, new self-protection system, new Inertial Navigation System(INS), a Glass Cockpit and an air-to-air refueling capability.

In 2005, Greece was the first country worldwide to add the F-16 Block 52+ to its inventory. This advanced F-16 type is an improved version of the Block 50 featuring a more powerful radar, Conformal Fuel Tanks for bigger Ferry Range, advanced communications systems, upgraded engine, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) and is capable of carrying more advanced weapons, including the IRIS-T Air To Air missile. Three squadrons are operating with this type of F-16s. These squadrons are the 337 Squadron "Ghost" in Larissa air base, 340 Squadron "Fox" and 343 Squadron "Star" in Souda air base.

In 2005, the Greek government ordered 30 more F-16C/D, 20 single seat and 10 double seat. These aircraft are called F-16C/D Block 52+ Advanced, but in Hellenic Air Force are known as F-16 Block 52M (due to improved computing power for mission computer MMC). The differences between the normal Block 52+ and Block 52+ Advanced, are that the Advanced version has, LINK 16 Communications System, more powerful Mission Control Computer, an extra Multi Function Display with a movable map navigation, advanced Debriefing System and the capability of carrying the RECCE Reconnaissance Pod. The first aircraft were delivered to Hellenic Air Force in May 2009 and they are flying with the 335 Squadron "Tiger" in Araxos air base.

Plans

Greece owns 318 fighters, 205 of them are modern jets. Due to the retirement and obsolescence of units that have ended their front line operational life (A-7E Corsair II and F-4 Phantom II), the HAF should be looking forward to acquiring new 4th, 4.5th or 5th generation fighters and at the same time being able to reach a total number of 300 advanced fighters, according to the Supreme Air Force Council "2007–2012 operational planning" study which was published in 2007. Candidates for 4.5th or 5th generation aircraft are the Dassault Rafale, F-35 Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, MiG-35 and the Sukhoi Su-35. To fill the gap Greece is constantly modernizing its fleet of older Fighters (Mirages and F-4s)

Past budget cuts forced the HAF to ground many of its F-16 fighters because of a lack of spare parts and maintenance. Recently Greece requested the U.S. Government to provide spare parts in support of its F-16, F/RF-4E, C-130H/B, C-27J, T-6A/C, and other aircraft with systems/subsystems of U.S. origin. The estimated cost of this help is $160 million.

Current and past Budget cuts will likely not have a large impact on HAF capabilities, but they will delay programs for the future. HAF defense modernization program estimated in 2008 it was needed to purchase 45 advance training aircraft, 15 SAR helicopters and 40-60 modern fighters. Due to Greece’s current economic problems HAF is instead looking for the procurement of used F-16s and Mirages for a reasonable price, to counter the Turkish Air Force purchase of up to 100 F-35s 5th generation fighters over the next decade.

In July 2016 the upgrade of the currently stored 6 Lockheed P-3B Orions started, extending the lifetime of 4 airframes until at least 2025.

Political involvement

In its early years, the Air Force was considered politically right-wing and royalist; indeed, it was known as the "Royal Hellenic Air Force". However, its officer corps proved to be the most politically left-wing of the Armed Forces. During the Greek Civil War, the officers of the Greek Army denounced their Air Force counterparts as "leftists" and "communists" and considered them disloyal and unreliable. During the Regime of the Colonels, the Air Force aided King Constantine in his failed countercoup of December 1967, and many leading Air Force Generals were tortured by the ESA men of Dimitrios Ioannidis. The only Air Force officer that had a significant role in the dictatorial regime was Antonis Skarmaliorakis. After Andreas Papandreou and his Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) party came to power in 1981, ending a long conservative dominance of Greek politics, the Air Force officers proved to be Papandreou's most enthusiastic allies in the Armed Forces. Andreas returned the favor, and in 1984, he made an Air Force General the Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, the first time someone from the Air Force rose to occupy that position. In 1997, it was estimated that more than half of the Air Force officer corps were PASOK supporters.

The antagonism between Greece and Turkey has meant that balance in quantitative and qualitative terms has been of the goals of the HAF. HAF pilots have received significant training and HAF and TAF have often engaged in mock dogfights. Due to Greece’s current economic problems it is likely it will not procure additional advanced fighter jets. This may alter current balance of air power.

Due to the existence of the Joint Defence Doctrine between Greece and Cyprus is the defence of Cypriot air space, as Cyprus has no air force of its own. HAF aircraft have to be able to reach and stay long enough under combat conditions over Cyprus. The distance between the nearest base on the island of Crete to Cyprus is about 700 km. Besides this the Hellenic Air Force must have the ability to strike at all targets of the potential adversary at distances of more than 1,000 km from its bases. All this makes range one of the most important Hellenic Air Force needs.

Due to political reasons HAF decided to operate two main fighter types (one US and other European), compared to other NATO air forces that operate one single fighter type.

Organisation

Hellenic Air Force

Organization
Structure Air Force General Staff Tactical Air Force Command Air Force Academy Aircraft
History
History Timeline
Personnel
List of senior officers Officer rank insignia

Administrative organisation

The Hellenic Air Force is overseen by the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence, whose head is minister Panagiotis Kammenos. More specifically, HAF is directly overseen by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff.

• Minister of National Defence: Panagiotis Kammenos
  • Chief of Air Force General Staff: Lieutenant General (Air Marshal) Christos Vaitsis
    • Chief of Tactical Air Force Command (HTAFC): Lieutenant General (Air Marshal) Christos Christodoulou
    • Chief of Air Force Training Command (HAFTC): Major General (Air Vice Marshal) Ioannis Manolakos
    • Chief of Air Force Support Command (HAFSC): Major General (Air Vice Marshal) Symeon (Simos) Astrinidis

The three commands are

1. the Tactical Air Command (Αρχηγείο Τακτικής Αεροπορίας, ATA), headquartered at Larisa,
2. the Air Training Command (Διοίκηση Αεροπορικής Εκπαίδευσης, ΔΑΕ), based in Tatoi (Dekelea).
3. the Air Support Command (Διοίκηση Αεροπορικής Υποστήριξης, ΔΑΥ), headquartered at Elefsina,and

The Tactical Air Command includes eight Combat Wings and one Transport Wing. The Combat Wings have six fighter ground-attack squadrons. There are ten fighter squadrons, one regular reconnaissance squadron, and one marine reconnaissance squadron. Three transport squadrons and two helicopter squadrons form the organization of the air portion of the Tactical Air Command. The Air Training Command includes four training squadrons.

The eight major HAF installations are located in Larisa, Nea Anchialos (west of Volos), Elefsis, west of Athens, Thessaloniki, Tanagra, north of Athens, Souda Bay, Araxos in the northern Peloponnese, and Andravida. Other airports supporting military operations are located in the Aegean Islands of Karpathos, Santorini (Thira), Rhodes, Kos, Skyros, and Lemnos as well as in Kavala, Heraklion, Ritsona and Tatoi/Dekeleia, north of Athens.

• Combat operations are overseen by the Chief of Operations of the Supreme Air Force Council.
• Support services are managed by the Directorate of Aeronautical Support of the Air Force Support Command.
• The training squadrons and air force schools, like the "Icarus Air Force Academy" and the "School of Advanced War Training", run by the Training Directorate of the Air Force Training Command. Nowadays the Hellenic Air Force is very modernized and is considered the 12th best airforce in the world. Greece is also planning on buying a lot of 4th generation aircraft once it recovers from the current economic crisis.

Order of Battle

Command Structure of the Hellenic Air Force

• Hellenic Air Force General Staff
  • 251st Air Force General Hospital, Athens
  • Center of Aviation Medicine
  • Supreme Air Force Medical Committee
  • Air Court of Athens
  • HAF Military Police (Αερονομία)
  • Hellenic National Meteorological Service
  • Single Center Rescue Coordination / Aviation Sector
  • Center of Aviation Safety and Terrain
• Air Force Tactical Command
  • Air Operations Center in Larissa
  • 110th Combat Wing, Larissa AB
    • 337th All Weather Squadron "Ghost" – (F-16C/D Block 52+)
    • 348th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron "Eyes" – (RF-4E Phantom II)
  • 111th Combat Wing, Nea Anchialos AB
    • 330th Fighter Interception Squadron "Thunder" – (F-16C/D Block 30)
    • 341st Fighter-Bomber Squadron "Aces" – (F-16C/D Block 50)
    • 347th Fighter-Bomber and Interception Squadron "Perseus" – (F-16C/D Block 50)
  • 114th Combat Wing, Tanagra Air Base
    • 331st All Weather Squadron "Theseus" – (Mirage 2000-5 Mk2)
    • 332nd All Weather Squadron "Falcon" – (Mirage 2000BGM/EGM3)
  • 115th Combat Wing, Souda Bay, Crete
    • 340th Fighter-Bomber Squadron "Fox" – (F-16C/D Block 52+)
    • 343rd Fighter-Bomber Squadron "Star" – (F-16C/D Block 52+)
  • 116th Combat Wing, Araxos AB
    • 335th Fighter Squadron "Tiger" – (F-16C/D Block 52M)
    • 336th Bomber Squadron "Olympus"
  • 117th Combat Wing, Andravida AB
    • 338th Fighter-Bomber Squadron "Ares" – (F-4E PI2000 Phantom II)
    • 339th Interception Squadron "Ajax" – (F-4E PI2000 Phantom II)
  • Radars
    • 1st Area Control Centre – Hortiatis, call sign "Topsy"
    • 2nd Area Control Centre – Parnitha, call sign "Mambo"
    • 3rd Area Control Centre – Ziros, call sign "Kronos"
  • Combat Groups
    • 126 CG Heraklion (closed 2015)
    • 130 CG Limnos
    • 131 CG Aktion
      • UAV Squadron "Acheron" (EAB Pegasus II)
    • 133 CG Kastelli
    • 135 CG Skyros
  • Air Detachment
    • Rhodes Air Detachment
    • Karpathos Air Detachment
    • Agrinio Air Detachment
    • Santorini Air Detachment
    • Kavala Air Detachment
    • Tymbaki Air Detachment
  • 350 Guided Missiles Wing, A/B Sedes, Thessaloniki
    • 11th GMS – Heraklion - (S-300 PMU1 & TOR M1)
    • 21st and 22nd GMS – Keratea & Skyros – (MIM-104 Patriot PAC-3)
    • 23rd and 24th GMS – Thessaloniki & Tymbaki – (MIM-104 Patriot PAC-3)
    • 25th and 26th GMS – Crete & Tanagra – (MIM-104 Patriot PAC-3, Crotale NG/GR & TOR M1)
    • Maintenance Squadron
  • Special Units
    • 380th AEW&C Squadron "Uranus" – Elefsis – (Embraer E-145H Erieye)
    • Air Tactics Center & Tactical Weapons School – Andravida
    • Aerial Photography Interpretation Center – Larissa
    • 140th Electronic Warfare Group – Larissa
    • Instrument Flight Training Center – Larissa
• Air Force Support Command
  • 112th Combat Wing, Elefsis AB
    • • 31st CSAR/Special Operations Squadron
      • 352nd VIP/Transport Squadron "Cosmos" – (Embraer ERJ-135ER & Gulfstream V)
      • 354th TAS "Pegasus" – (C-27J Spartan)
      • 355th TAS/SAR "Hephestus" – (Bombardier CL-215)
      • 356th TAS "Hercules" – (C-130B/H Hercules)
      • 358th Search and Rescue Squadron" ''Faethon''– (AB 205-205A1, AB 212 & Agusta A-109E Power helicopters)
      • 384th Search and rescue Squadron "Puma" – (AS-332 Super Puma helicopters)
  • 113th Combat Wing, Thessaloniki AB
    • 383rd Air Fire Fighting/CSAR Squadron "Proteus" – (Bombardier CL-415)
  • 206th Air Force Infrastructure Wing
    • 201st Air Force Supply Depot
    • 204th Ammunition Supply Depot
    • Petroleum Distribution Command
• Air Force Training Command
  • Air Force Academy, Dekelia AB
    • 360th Air Training Squadron "Thales" – (T-41D Mescalero)
  • 120th Air Training Wing, Kalamata AB
    • 361st Air Training Squadron "Mystras" – (T-6A Texan II)
    • 362nd Air Training Squadron "Nestor" – (T-2E/C Buckeye)
    • 363rd Air Training Squadron "Danaos" – (T-2E/C Buckeye)
    • 364th Air Training Squadron "Pelops" – (T-6A Texan II)
  • Sea Survival Training School
    • 123rd Technical Training Wing, Dekelia AB
  • Air Defence Staff Training Center
    • 124th Basic Training Wing, Tripoli, Arkadia
      • 1st Cadets Training Squadron
      • 2nd Cadets Training Squadron
      • 3rd Cadets Training Squadron
      • Local Defence Training Squadron
  • Air Force Command and Staff College,
  • Air Force Technical NCO Academy
  • Air Force Administrative NCO Academy
  • Air Force Radio Navigators Academy
  • 128th Communications & Avionics Training Group – Kavouri, Athens

Personnel

Commissioned officers

Officer grade structure of the Hellenic Air Force
NATO Code	OF-9	OF-8	OF-7	OF-6	OF-5	OF-4	OF-3	OF-2	OF-1
Insignia
Title	Pterarchos	Antipterarchos	Ypopterarchos	Taxiarchos	Sminarchos	Antisminarchos	Episminagos	Sminagos	Yposminagos	Anthyposminagos
Greek	Πτέραρχος (εαν κατέχει την θέση του ΑΓΕΕΘΑ)	Αντιπτέραρχος	Υποπτέραρχος	Ταξίαρχος	Σμήναρχος	Αντισμήναρχος	Επισμηναγός	Σμηναγός	Υποσμηναγός	Ανθυποσμηναγός
Equivalent title	Air Chief Marshal or General of Armed Forces	Air Marshal or Lieutenant General	Air Vice-Marshal or Major General	Air Commodore or Brigadier General	Group Captain or Colonel	Wing Commander or Lieutenant Colonel	Squadron Leader or Major	Flight Lieutenant or Captain	Flying Officer or 1st Lieutenant	Pilot Officer or 2nd Lieutenant

NCO/Enlisted

NCO – Enlisted grade structure of the Hellenic Air Force
NATO Code	OR-9	OR-8		OR-7		OR-6		OR-5	OR-4	OR-1
Insignia											No insignia
Title	Anthypaspistis	Archisminias	Archisminias Emth-ΜΕΕ-Epop	Episminias	Episminias Emth-Epop	Sminias	Sminias Emth-Epop	Klirotos Sminias	Yposminias EPOP	Sminitis EPOP	Sminitis
Greek	Ανθυπασπιστής	Αρχισμηνίας	Αρχισμηνίας ΕΜΘ-ΜΕΕ-ΕΠΟΠ	Επισμηνίας	Επισμηνίας ΕΜΘ-ΕΠΟΠ	Σμηνίας	Σμηνίας ΕΜΘ-ΕΠΟΠ	Κληρωτός Σμηνίας	Υποσμηνίας ΕΠΟΠ	Σμηνίτης ΕΠΟΠ	Σμηνίτης
Equivalent rank	Warrant Officer	Chief Master Sergeant		Master Sergeant		Staff Sergeant			Corporal	Airman

Equipment

According to Hellenic Ministry of National Defence the HAF operates a total of 440+ aircraft of all types. Following the retirement of the A-7 Corsair fleet, HAF currently operates 245 modern combat aircraft with 199 being fourth-generation fighters. Numbers in service are drawn from references and are valid as of December 2015.

Aircraft inventory

Summary by type

combat	reconnaissance	transport	training	helicopter
253	33	65	79	29

Detailed current inventory

Type	Origin	Class	Role	Introduced	In service	Total	Notes
A109E Power	Italy	helicopter	medical transport		3
AB-205A-1	Italy	helicopter	search and rescue		10
AB-212	Italy	helicopter	VIP transport		4
AS 332C1 Super Puma	France	helicopter	search and rescue		12		4 Initial helicopters (S/N 2464, 2509, 2520, 2519) have been purchased for the Hellenic Coastguard Flight Service but later handed to H.A.F. for urgent SAR coverage needs and better operational exploitation. These helicopters have SAR configuration and are painted in dark grey/orange livery. The next 2 Helicopters (S/N 2574, 2575) have been acquired at 2004 in order to cover MEDEVAC missions during Athens 2004 Summer Olympics. 4 more helicopters have been ordered and purchased at 2007 (S/N 2584, 2589, 2618, 2620) in CSAR version with modifications to vital systems and extra operational equipment. The 2 last CSAR-capable helicopters (S/N 2780, 2787) have entered service with 384 SAR/CSAR Sq. at 2011, marking the final deliveries of the type to HAF inventory. Apart from the first 4 helicopters, all others are painted in "Aegean Ghost" camouflage colors.
C-27J Spartan	Italy	prop	tactical transport		8	12	twelve initially ordered, eight finally received
C-130B Hercules	United States	prop	tactical transport		5	5	follow-on order of five C-130B in 1992. All aircraft have been through avionics modernization (AUP).
C-130H Hercules	United States	prop	tactical transport		10	12	Twelve C-130H ordered in 1975. Two C-130 have been lost. All aircraft have been through avionics modernization (AUP).
CL-215GR Scooper	Canada	prop	aerial firefighting		11	12	one aircraft lost in June 2016; also used for search and rescue, light transport
CL-415GR	Canada	prop	aerial firefighting		7	8	also used for search and rescue, light transport
CL-415MP	Canada	prop	maritime patrol		1
ERJ-135BJ	Brazil	jet	VIP transport		1
ERJ-135LR	Brazil	jet	medical transport		1
EMB-145H AEW&C	Brazil	jet	airborne early warning		4		The HAF designation is Erieye EMB-145H AEW&C.
Gulfstream V	United States	jet	VIP transport		1
F-4E Phantom II	United States	jet	fighter-bomber		34		F-4E upgraded to Peace Icarus 2000 aircraft, AUP Avionics.
F‑16C Fighting Falcon	United States	jet	multi-role fighter		116		Inventory includes aircraft of Block 30/50/52+ and 52+ Advanced. HAF considers a Lockheed Martin proposal to upgrade, if not all, most of the fleet to the new "Viper" standard (F-16 V), while older Block 30 aircraft will be retrofitted to the new F-16 M6 variant.
F-16D Fighting Falcon	United States	jet	multi-role fighter		39		Inventory includes aircraft of Block 30/50/52+ and 52+ Advanced. HAF considers a Lockheed Martin proposal to upgrade, if not all, most of the fleet to the new "Viper" standard (F-16 V), while older Block 30 aircraft will be retrofitted to the new F-16 M6 variant.
Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2	France	jet	multi-role fighter		20		Ten older Mirage 2000EG upgraded to Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2 standard plus ten new Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2 purchased
Mirage 2000-5B Mk.2	France	jet	multi-role fighter		5		new Mirage 2000-5B Mk.2 purchased
Mirage 2000BGM	France	jet	multi-role fighter		2
Mirage 2000EGM	France	jet	multi-role fighter		17
M18AS Dromader	Poland	prop	aerial spraying		3		used also for observation
M18BS Dromader	Poland	prop	aerial spraying		19		used also for observation
E1-79 Pegasus	Greece	UAV	reconnaissance		16		can carry a maximum payload weight of 50 kg.
RF-4E Phantom II	United States	jet	reconnaissance		12		F-4E upgraded to Peace Icarus 2000 aircraft, AUP Avionics.
T-2C Buckeye	United States	jet	trainer		5		Ex-USN T-2C Buckeye purchased.
T-2E Buckeye	United States	jet	trainer		30
T-6A Texan II	United States	prop	trainer		25
T-6A NTA Texan II	United States	prop	light attack		20
T-41D Mescalero	United States	prop	trainer		19

Retired and historical aircraft

• PZL P.24
• Gloster Gladiator
• Hawker Hurricane
• Henschel Hs 126
• Supermarine Spitfire
• Douglas C-47 Skytrain
• Grumman HU-16 Albatross
• Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw
• Curtiss SB2C Helldiver
• Cessna T-37 Tweet
• Nord Noratlas
• Dassault Mirage F1
• Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star
• Canadair Sabre
• Republic F-84 Thunderjet
• Republic F-84F Thunderstreak
• Convair F-102 Delta Dagger
• Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
• Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter
• LTV A-7 Corsair II

Weapons inventory

• AIM-120C-5/7 AMRAAM : 280
• AIM-120B AMRAAM : 240
• AIM-9M Sidewinder : 165
• AIM-9L/I1 Sidewinder : 300
• AIM-9L/I Sidewinder : 400
• AIM-9P4 Sidewinder(upgraded P3 and J-Sidewinder) : 1,000
• MBDA MICA : 300
• IRIS-T : 350 (with 90 joint helmet mounted cueing systems)
• R550 Magic-2 : 300
• Exocet AM-39 Block 2 : 36
• SCALP EG : 90
• Bombkapsel 90 AFDS : 70
• AGM-65G2 : 200
• AGM-65A/B : 200+ (?)
• AGM-88B Block IIIA : 84
• AGM-154C JSOW : 40
• GBU-8B HOBOS : 96
• GBU-12 & GBU-16 Paveway II : 1,162
• GBU-24 Paveway III : 200
• GBU-27 Paveway III : 250
• JDAM : 100
• Enchanced Paveway II : 50

Navigation and targeting pods

• DB-110: 2 (RECON)
• LANTIRN-AWNP (F-16 Block 50D & 52+): 23
• LANTIRN-TP (F-16 Block 50D & 52+): 23
• LITENING targeting pod F-4E AUP: 15
• A-7E/TA-7C LANA Night Navigation Pods: ?
• ASTAC ELINT-SIGINT: 4 ( RF-4)

Anti-aircraft systems

Greek air defences are oriented almost exclusively towards Turkey. Greece most probably operates the most dense air defense system infrastructure among NATO states. Turkey currently lacks long range system like the ones operated by Greece, but will soon purchase them. TOR M-1 and Skyguard-Aspide types owned by Cyprus are said by Turkey to be operated by Greek forces. Russian anti-aircraft missiles based originally in Crete were meant for Cyprus, but had to be relocated to Greek mainland due to the Cyprus Missile Crisis when Turkey threatened war (casus belli) if the missiles were installed on Cyprus.

• Patriot PAC II/ PAC III AA missile system: 6 Batterries / 36 launchers / 325 missiles (as of 2004 installed near Athens, Thessaloniki and on the island of Skyros)
• S-300 PMU1 AA missile system: 1 Battery / 8 launchers / 39 missiles (installed on the island of Crete)
• SKYGUARD/VELOS AA system: 20 launchers / 280 missiles / 24 Oerlikon-35 Guns
• Crotale NG/GR AA missile system: 9 launchers
• TOR M1 AA missile system: 4 launchers
• Stinger portable AA missile: unknown number of launchers / 300 missiles
• Artemis 30 30 mm AA guns: 38
• Rheinmetall 202 Mk20 : 326

Aircraft markings and camouflage

The primary camouflage scheme utilized by the Hellenic Air Force is the Aegean Ghost (Greek: Φάντασμα του Αιγαίου) scheme. This is modified slightly for each aircraft type but is standard for all combat and transport aircraft in the inventory. Some training, search-and-rescue, and firefighting aircraft are colored partially or completely in high-visibility colors for identification and easier location in case of an accident. The air force also frequently uses colorful commemorative schemes to mark anniversaries and other special occasions or for display purposes. National markings are applied to all aircraft, with the national roundel consisting of concentric blue, white, and blue rings displayed on the fuselage sides and wing surfaces and a tricolor fin flash of similar blue, white, and blue horizontal stripes on the rudder. The words Πολεμική Αεροπορία (or simply the abbreviation ΠΑ) are applied to the fuselage as well, although this is less common in current schemes. Aircraft in Aegean Ghost scheme may have low visibility markings applied in which blue is replaced by dark grey and white by light grey.

Originally, many aircraft in service retained the basic color scheme they were acquired in. Prior to World War II, combat aircraft were given a green and brown top scheme with white or sky blue underside, similar to the Royal Air Force. After the war, jet fighter aircraft such as the Sabre and Starfighter would serve in a polished metal scheme. Later, most aircraft received green and brown camouflage again, consistent with the United States Air Force's South East Asia scheme, referred to as Vietnam camouflage in Greece. A-7 Corsair IIs would be some of the last aircraft to fly with this scheme, retaining it until their retirement, long after all-over grey schemes had become the normal application for Greek aircraft. C-130 Hercules transports which used South East Asia early in the their careers were repainted in an overall grey theme.

• 

  standard roundel

• 

  low visibility roundel

• 

  fin flash

• 

  polished metal

• 

  brown and green scheme

• 

  C-130 grey scheme

• 

  SAR with orange panels

• 

  demonstration scheme

Aircraft accidents and incidents

Main article: List of aviation accidents and incidents in Greece

The worst accident in the history of the Hellenic Air Force occurred on February 5, 1991 when Lockheed C-130H Hercules s/n 748 crashed into Mount Othrys during the landing approach to Nea Anchialos. Sixty-three people were killed.

Gallery

• 

  Aviator Aristeidis Moraitinis, 1917

• 

  RHAF Canadair Sabre 2 in 1955.

• 

  Pilot uniform of the 1960s

• 

  An old F-104G of the Hellenic Air Force.

• 

  A Hellenic Air Force f-104 Starfighter (Tanagra Military Airport).

• 

  F-16C Block 50 in Tanagra Air Base.

• 

  A Hellenic Air Force Dassault Mirage F1CG displayed at the 2008 HAF air show, Tanagra airbase, Greece.

• 

  Mirage 2000-5Mk.2 of the Hellenic Air Force.

• 

  TA-7C Corsair II

• 

  A Greek F-4 Phantom leaves Aviano Air Base.

• 

  Cessna T-41D Mescalero of 360 squadron used by the Hellenic Air Force Academy.

• 

  C-130H Hercules tactical transport aircraft of 356 squadron.

• 

  Aircraft maintenance hangar of 335 Squadron, Araxos Air Base.

• 

  CL-415 water bomber of 383 squadron.

• 

  Formation of two P-3B Orion maritime patrol aircraft of 353 squadron over Athens, overflying the military parade of 2007-03-25.

• 

  T-2E Buckeye jet trainer of 120 Wing.

• 

  AF AS.332 Super Puma SAR helicopter.

• 

  AS.332 Super Puma of the Hellenic Air Force, operated for Search and Rescue (SAR).

• 

  A Mirage 2000BGM of the Hellenic Air Force immediately after take off.

• 

  An F-16D Block 30 of the 346 Squadron "Jason".

• 

  A Hellenic Air Force F-4E PI2000.

• 

  Mirage 2000-5Mk.2 of the Hellenic Air Force.

• 

  SAR AB-205A of the 358 Squadron "Phaethon".

• 

  C-27J Spartan of the 354 Squadron "Pegasus". HAF operates 8 of those aircraft.

• 

  EMB-145H of the 380 AEW&C Squadron during Tanagra Air Show.

• 

  C-130H of the 355 Squadron "Hercules" with special paint scheme.

• 

  An F-16D Block 52+ of the 343 Squadron "Star" with Conformal Fuel Tanks.

See also

• Hellenic Air Force Academy
• Hellenic Aerospace Industry

Further reading

• George J. Beldecos et al. Hellenic Wings: An Illustrated History of the Hellenic Air Force and its Precursors - 1908-1944, pub. Air Historical Branch (HAF), 1st edition (1999)
• A. Tsagaratos (Editor): Hellenic Air Force Yearbook 2010/B, Special Projects, Athens, Greece, ISSN 1790-4102 (2011). Page 8 contains a summary Order of Battle and a summary aircraft inventory, as of December 2010.
• Carr, John On Spartan Wings, Barnsley, SY, Pens & Sword Military, 2012. ISBN 978-1-84884-798-9.
• "World Military Aircraft Inventory", Aerospace Source Book 2007, Aviation Week & Space Technology, January 15, 2007
• The Library of Congress Country Studies, CIA World Factbook
• Greece – The Hellenic Air Force
• E. A. Pagotsis (2008). Hellenic Defence Review 2008–2009. Athens: Line Defence Public Ltd. pp. 128–159. 
• Aircraft Inventory (Greek)

Bibliography

• Carr, John, On Spartan Wings, Barnsley, SY: Pens & Sword Military, 2012. ISBN 978-1-84884-798-9.

External links

• Hellenic Air Force Official Website
• Minister of National Defence Website