Page 19 - ADT JUNE - JULY 2021 Online Magazine

GREEK F-16 UPGRADES
DELIVER CAPABILITY BOOST

52+ and Block 52+ Advanced con-
figurations. Final certification tests
on the first prototype F-16V has been
completed in the United States and
two more aircraft have been added
to the conversion programme. The
first flight of the upgraded F-16V took
place in January in the USA and the
first aircraft upgraded by HAI flew in
Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) is February.
presently undertaking the upgrade Hellenic F-16V’s will feature an APG-83
of Hellenic Air Force F-16 Block 52 Active Electronically Scanned Array
Advanced and 52+ fighter jets to (AESA) radar, LINK-16 Multifunctional
F-16 Block V ‘Viper’ standard. The Information Distribution System Joint
upgraded aircraft bolster the Hellenic Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS-JTRS)
Air Force’s ability to support NATO with TACAN and EHSI, APX-126 GREECE
and remain interoperable with the Advanced Identification Friend or
U.S. and the NATO alliance. Foe (AIFF) Combined Interrogator PROGRESSES
systems. Greece will also procure an ON P-3B MPA
Transponders (CIT) amongst other
The Hellenic Air Force operates mix
of F-16s in Block 30, Block 50, Block F-16V Simulator. UPGRADES

HELLENIC ARMED FORCES Upgrade work on Hellenic Navy
P-3 Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft
ON MODERNISATION SPREE (MPA) is continuing with deliveries
of upgraded aircraft underway. The
Navy is utilising the aircraft for land-
based naval patrols, reconnaissance
and Anti-Submarine Warfare. The
first upgraded P-3B Orion (Sl No 744)
featured an interim upgrade standard
and was also the first to receive its
Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) Programme.
The upgraded MPA made its maiden
flight in May 2019 and was delivered
in April 2020. It participated in the
NATO Operation "Sea Guardian"
soon after delivery. Upgraded aircraft
receive a service life extension for
15,000 flight hours.
The Hellenic Armed Forces are in Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), The cost of the upgrades are an esti-
the midst of revamping their combat Torpedoes and Air-to-Air Missiles mated US$500 million and involve
equipment with the air force to (AAM). Greece is also increasing its modification and reactivation of two
receive 18 Dassault Rafale fighter defence cooperation with Israel with P-3B aircraft and the upgrade of up to
jets and will look towards the F-35 significant defence contracts being five P-3B aircraft including structural
to meet its requirement for a 5th inked in recent months. In July, the MLU, Phased Depot Maintenance
generation fighter aircraft. Greece is Chief of Hellenic National Defense (PDM), Mission Integration and
also looking to modernise the Navy General Staff (HNDGS) General Management Systems (MIMS), and
by procuring new multi-role Frigates Konstantinos Floros also made an new flight avionics. HAI is also plan-
in addition to upgrading its existing official visit to Israel on the invitation ning to upgrade its infrastructure
MEKO Frigates. of Israel’s Chief of General Staff, with the aim of establishing a C-130
The Hellenic Navy will also look to Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi. Maintenance Center of international
acquire MH-60R ‘Romeo’ helicopters Both armies have agreed to continue scope, in order to serve the Middle
to be based on the new Frigates. to proceed with joint exercises in the East and North Africa market.
Greece is also looking to add new future.

ASIAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY June/July 2021 | 19