Greece to help speed up the training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots

17 October, 2024 A Greek F-16 fighter jet with AGM-88 HARM missiles. Photo: Hellenic Air Force Greece will provide additional resources to accelerate the training of Ukrainian pilots for F-16 fighter jets.

The Office of the President of Ukraine released a statement that Greece will also help with the training of technical personnel. In Brussels, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis signed a Security Cooperation Agreement that includes this assistance. Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, Greece has been providing military assistance to Ukraine, including logistical and training assistance.

"With this agreement, the Hellenic Republic reaffirms its readiness to meet Ukraine's urgent defense needs in the future," the office stated.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis. October 2024, Belgium. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

October 2024, Belgium. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

The agreement concerns:

  • economic partnership;
  • cooperation in the security sector;
  • support for sanctions against Russia;
  • bringing the aggressor state to justice and compensation for damages;
  • cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and art.

Greece pledges to participate in Ukraine's restoration and reconstruction, supports Ukraine's future membership in the EU and NATO, and supports Ukraine's Peace Formula. In total, Ukraine has already concluded 27 bilateral security agreements.

Greece is a long-time user of American F-16 fighter jets and has considerable experience in their operation. In 2017, Greece decided to upgrade 84 of its F-16 Block 52+ Fighting Falcon fighters to the F-16 Block 72 configuration.

A Greek F-16 fighter jet with AGM-88 HARM missiles. Photo: www.liakis.com A Greek F-16 fighter jet with AGM-88 HARM missiles.

Photo: www.liakis.com

The modernization program worth £2.4 billion is scheduled to be completed in 2027.

In 2024, Greek Defense Minister Dendias announced that outdated F-16 Block 30 and Mirage 2000-5 combat aircraft versions would be sold.

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