Today, six of the 24 Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft acquired by the Hellenic Air Force were transferred from the Istres base in France to their new home, the Tanagra Air Base in Greece.
As reported by the manufacturer, the six Hellenic Air Force (HAF) Rafale combat aircraft, operated by their pilots, took off from Dassault Aviation’s Istres facility to Tanagra Air Base, where they were received in a ceremony by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, accompanied by Minister of National Defense Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos and senior Greek authorities. Éric Trappier, President and CEO of Dassault Aviation, was also present to welcome their arrival.
The entry into operational service in the 332nd Squadron of the Hellenic Air Force of these first six Rafale aircraft is proof of the quality of the partnership between France and Greece, and comes only one year after the signing of the contract for 18 aircraft (they later purchased another six fighters). It is a testament to the excellent relationship between the French and Greek authorities, as well as between the Hellenic Air Force and Dassault Aviation teams.
The experience of the training provided, in particular by Dassault Aviation, at the Conversion Training Center (CTC) in Mérignac, to Greek HAF pilots, mechanics and technicians, undeniably contributes to the success of this first ferry. The training of personnel will continue in the coming months in France and Greece.
Delivery of the next Rafale HAFs will start at the end of 2022 with the objective of having the entire fleet deployed at Tanagra Air Base by the summer of 2023.
«The mastery with which the Hellenic Air Force carried out this first ferry flight is a testament to the excellence of our cooperation and the strength of our historical relationship with Greece for more than 45 years. Thanks to our mobilization, we were able to meet the expectations of the Greek authorities in record time, who now have the Rafale on national territory to reinforce the country’s protection and sovereignty. It also attests to the excellent quality of our aircraft, confirmed by its export success. Finally, it reflects our full commitment to meet the needs of the HAF and to participate in Greece’s strategic ambitions,» declared Éric Trappier at the end of the ceremony.
