Thread by @theHELC

Protecting Europe’s frontiers with state-of-the-art European technology. A thread on French warplanes in the Hellenic Air Force… #theHELC #France #Rafale #Mirage #HAF

Modern Greek-French relations have deep historical roots going back to the Napoleonic period. In more recent years, Greece’s alliance with France has played a game-changing role in the Hellenic Air Force’s vital mission of defending the airspace of the European Union and NATO.

The recent purchase of 24 state-of-art #Rafale jets is the culmination of a long relationship between the French defence industry and HAF. The procurement of 🇫🇷warplanes in a time of threats from Turkey underlines the deep military and political bonds between the two nations.

#HAF operated a special edition of the Mirage F1CG, a single-engine jet, as early as 1978. The French aircraft was praised for its reliability, agility, and demonstrated ruggedness during its 30 years of operational service, fully justifying its selection.

As proof of the deepening🇬🇷-🇫🇷military partnership, Greece bought 40 Mirage 2000s in 1985, the successor of F1. Equipped with highly advanced technology for its generation, the aircraft played a crucial role in deterrent patrols, interceptions, and maritime interdiction

Aiming to maintain air supremacy over its territory, Greece placed an order for 25 Mirage-2005 Mk fighters in 2000. The upgrade included the ability to deploy French-made #SCALP cruise missiles, adding a strategic weapon to the armoury of NATO's Eastern flank.

Recently, Greece procured 24 units of the new 4.5-generation air superiority fighter #Rafale to add a quality differentiator to its air force capability, amidst rising tensions and continuing violations of the Greek airspace by Turkey.

The deal, which includes next-generation active radar-guided beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles #Meteor is a vote of confidence in Greece’s role as a pillar of stability in the region, as the country has become the sole regional power operating next-generation fighters.

Unlike Turkey’s anti-Western rhetoric, expansionist foreign policy agenda, and ambiguous military trade-offs with Russia and Iran, Greece has evolved as one the most reliable NATO partners in the region. The procurement of #Rafale will strengthen European defence.