Greece is preparing the next phase of its military modernization program, with plans to upgrade additional F-16 fighter jets, acquire new frigates, and advance several other defense projects that are awaiting approval, under negotiation, or scheduled for delivery in the coming years.
The plans follow decisions made by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense, known as KYSEA, on July 23.
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has also announced that the government will present the second phase of Greece’s new force structure in September. The updated plan will incorporate lessons from recent conflicts, changes in modern warfare, and advances in military technology.
Greece seeks to expand its F-16 viper fleet
The Ministry of National Defense is awaiting a Letter of Acceptance from the United States for the proposed upgrade of 38 Hellenic Air Force F-16 Block 50 fighter jets to the advanced Viper configuration. Greece submitted a formal Letter of Request to the US government as part of the approval process.
Military sources estimate that the program could cost approximately €1.1 billion ($1,26 billion), about €100 million ($114 million) more than earlier projections. Defense officials reportedly do not consider the increase a serious obstacle to the program.
US approval could arrive in the fall. If the process remains on schedule, preparations will begin so that work on the Block 50 aircraft can start immediately after the completion of the current F-16 modernization program.
That program covers 83 F-16 Block 52+ and Block 52+ Advanced fighter jets. The Hellenic Air Force has already received 56 upgraded aircraft. The addition of the 38 Block 50 fighters would eventually increase Greece’s total number of F-16 Vipers to 121.
Greece advances F-16 upgrades as bergamini frigate deliveries Face Delays
Greece also continues negotiations over the proposed acquisition of two Italian FREMM Bergamini-class frigates. Earlier projections suggested that the first vessel could enter Hellenic Navy service in 2028. That timetable now appears unlikely, with both frigates expected to arrive between 2029 and 2030.
Before entering Greek service, the vessels will undergo limited modifications to improve their operational compatibility with the Hellenic Navy’s French-built Belharra frigates.
Greek and Italian officials must still finalize several elements of the configuration, including the selection of anti-ship missiles, the number of Aster surface-to-air missiles, ammunition for the main guns, and improvements to the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the first vessel, the Carlo Bergamini.
A central part of the project involves installing CAPTAS-4 towed sonar systems on both ships. The Hellenic Navy’s Belharra frigates also use the CAPTAS-4, which ranks among the most advanced anti-submarine warfare sonar systems available. Using the same sonar system on both frigate classes would also support operational compatibility, crew training, and maintenance.
Earlier estimates placed the acquisition cost of the two vessels at approximately €700 million ($803 million), with another €100 million ($114 million) allocated for follow-on support. Defense sources now believe the final cost of the first two ships could approach €1 billion. Officials have also expressed reservations about purchasing two additional FREMM frigates under the proposed “2+2” arrangement. Any future decision on a second pair will depend on Greece’s fiscal capacity.
AW-139M search-and-rescue purchase appears unlikely
A proposal to acquire 14 Leonardo AW-139M search-and-rescue helicopters for the Hellenic Air Force is now considered unlikely to proceed. Officials instead expect the Air Force to continue relying on its existing Super Puma fleet.
Three AW-139 helicopters already purchased by Greece’s Civil Protection agency under the Aegis program could also come under the Air Force’s operational control, according to well-informed sources.
The arrangement would allow the military to use the newer helicopters for operational missions without purchasing 14 additional aircraft.
Black Hawk deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027
The Hellenic Army Aviation expects to receive the first 10 of its 35 new Black Hawk helicopters during 2027. Deliveries will continue in phases, with the full acquisition program scheduled for completion in 2030. The helicopters will support troop transport, special operations, medical evacuation, and logistical missions.
The Hellenic Navy is also awaiting the final four of the seven MH-60R Romeo anti-submarine warfare helicopters ordered by Greece. The remaining aircraft are expected to arrive in the fall, provided the delivery schedule remains unchanged.
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