Greece takes delivery of first Rafale multirole fighter aircraft
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| Dassault Aviation delivers first Rafale to Greece. |
Greece took delivery of its first Rafale multirole fighter during a ceremony at the Dassault Aviation Flight Test Center in Istres, France, July 21. The event was chaired by Eric TRAPPIER, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, with the participation of Mr. Nikolaos PANAGIOTOPOULOS, Greek Minister of National Defense.
This first delivery comes only after six months following the signature of the Contract for the acquisition of 18 Rafales (12 second-hand and 6 new) by Athens. This first aircraft, as well as the next five, will be used to train HAF pilots and technicians in France before being deployed at the TANAGRA Air Force Base, Greece. These first aircraft all come from the inventory of the French Air and Space Force.
A first group of HAF pilots, already trained for several months by the French Air and Space Force, and 50 HAF technicians will joined the Dassault Aviation Conversion Training Center (CTC) in Mérignac, France, to continue their training.
This first delivery comes only after six months following the signature of the Contract for the acquisition of 18 Rafales (12 second-hand and 6 new) by Athens. This first aircraft, as well as the next five, will be used to train HAF pilots and technicians in France before being deployed at the TANAGRA Air Force Base, Greece. These first aircraft all come from the inventory of the French Air and Space Force.
A first group of HAF pilots, already trained for several months by the French Air and Space Force, and 50 HAF technicians will joined the Dassault Aviation Conversion Training Center (CTC) in Mérignac, France, to continue their training.
According to Dassault, the Rafale will provide the HAF with a latest-generation multirole fighter, enabling the Hellenic Republic to ensure its geostrategic stance in full sovereignty. The delivery of the first Rafale is a clear demonstration of France’s determination to meet the government of the Hellenic Republic expectations and to participate actively to the sovereignty of the country.
“Following the Mirage F1 in 1974, the Mirage 2000 in 1985 and the Mirage 2000-5 in 2000, the Rafale is now proudly flying with the Hellenic Air Force colors. The Rafale is a Strategic Game Changer for the HAF. It will play an active role by securing Greece’s leadership as a major regional power. I would like to reaffirm our total commitment to the success of the Rafale in Greece,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.
“Following the Mirage F1 in 1974, the Mirage 2000 in 1985 and the Mirage 2000-5 in 2000, the Rafale is now proudly flying with the Hellenic Air Force colors. The Rafale is a Strategic Game Changer for the HAF. It will play an active role by securing Greece’s leadership as a major regional power. I would like to reaffirm our total commitment to the success of the Rafale in Greece,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.
Written by Matteo Sanzani
Source: Dassault Aviation
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