First two F-16V re-delivered to the Hellenic Air Force
On 12 September 2022, the first two upgraded Elliniki Polemiki Aeroporia (HAF, Hellenic Air Force) F-16V Fighting Falcons have been returned to active service. These are the first of a total of 84 aircraft that are to be upgraded under a contract that was signed in 2018.
Lockheed Martin supervised the upgrade that was performed by Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) at Tanágra (Greece). The airframes involved are Peace Xenia III F-16C Block 52 serial 006 (c/n WJ-6), a former 336 Mira aircraft and Peace Xenia IV serial 505 (c/n XK-6), a former 343 Mira aircraft that is still sporting its special colours to celebrate the 60th anniversary of 343 Mira in 2015. Both aircraft will join the inventory of 115 PM/343 Mira at Soúda, Crete. More upgraded aircraft are expected to be delivered before the end of this year.
The upgrade significantly enhances the capabilities of the Block 52 F-16s and brings them to the level of the Block 72 F-16s currently in production. The aircraft will be fitted with the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar that is also referred to as the Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR). Furthermore, a new Raytheon mission computer, Link 16 datalink capabilities, enhanced electronic warfare systems as well as ground-collision avoidance system will be added.
On 20 December 2018, Lockheed Martin was awarded a USD 1 billion contract for the upgrade of 84 F-16s to the so-called V-configuration. The upgrades will be performed in Greece by Hellenic Aerospace Industry and in the US by Lockheed Martin at their Greenville (SC) facilities. The upgrades are planned to be finished by mid-2027.
A similar contract to upgrade the older Block 50 F-16s, that were delivered under the Peace Xenia II FMS program, is expected to be requested to the US Senate soon. 38 out of 40 delivered are earmarked for upgrade by the HAF.
Scramble Magazine earlier wrote on the upgrade programme on 17 January 2021 and 2 February 2021 and on the still to be requested upgrade programme for the Block 50 F-16s on 12 August 2022.
Photos via US Embassy Greece