Milestone advances Greece’s fighter modernization and strengthens domestic aerospace expertise

Lockheed Martin and Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) have delivered the 60th Hellenic Air Force F-16 upgraded to the advanced Viper configuration, marking another major milestone in Greece’s fighter aircraft modernization program. The latest delivery demonstrates the continued progress of the program, which is transforming the Hellenic Air Force’s existing F-16 fleet into one of the most advanced configurations currently operating in Europe.

The F-16V provides Hellenic Air Force pilots with significantly enhanced situational awareness, combat capability and interoperability with allied forces. At the heart of the modernization package is the Northrop Grumman APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar, an active electronically scanned array radar that enables pilots to detect, identify and track threats at greater distances and with improved accuracy. The upgraded aircraft also features an advanced mission computer, modernized cockpit displays and enhanced communications and mission systems, allowing pilots to process critical information more rapidly and make better-informed operational decisions.

“Each F-16V delivery strengthens Greece’s air defense today and advances interoperability with allied forces,” said Mike Shoemaker, Vice President of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin. “The F-16 will remain central to Greece’s airpower for decades to come as the Hellenic Air Force builds a more integrated future force.”

The delivery of the 60th upgraded aircraft means that the modernization effort has now passed the two-thirds point. The program covers the upgrade of 83 Hellenic Air Force F-16C/D Block 52+ and Block 52+ Advanced aircraft to the F-16V configuration, substantially increasing their operational effectiveness and extending their relevance within Greece’s future air-power structure.

“With the delivery of the 60th F-16 Viper, the program has now passed the two-thirds mark. HAI remains focused on keeping the program on schedule, meeting its technical requirements and bringing this critical effort for the Hellenic Air Force to a successful and timely completion,” said Alexandros Diakopoulos, Executive Chairman of Hellenic Aerospace Industry.

Modernization work continues at HAI’s facilities in Tanagra, with support from Lockheed Martin engineering, systems-integration and technical teams in Greece and the United States. The program also highlights the important contribution of Greece’s domestic aerospace industry to the modernization and long-term support of the country’s combat aircraft fleet, while strengthening national expertise in complex aircraft upgrade, maintenance and integration activities.

Additional Hellenic Air Force aircraft are currently undergoing modernization at Tanagra, with further deliveries planned through 2027. Upon completion, the upgraded F-16V fleet will play a central role in Greece’s air defence architecture, enhancing the Hellenic Air Force’s readiness, combat effectiveness and ability to operate alongside NATO and other allied forces in increasingly complex operational environments.