Greek Masters!

On 5 January 2021, Israel and Greece released a statement that involves a government-to-government agreement, worth USD 1,68 billion that includes the procurement of ten Leonardo M346 Master jet trainers for the Hellenic Air Force (HAF, Greek Air Force) and the establishment of a flight school modelled on the Heyl Ha'Avir (IAF, Israeli Air Force) flight academy.

The 20-year life-span agreement, which will be signed by both defense ministries, includes the establishment and operation of a flight school for the HAF, by Elbit Systems Ltd. It also includes the maintenance and upgrades of T-6 Texan IIs in use by the Hellenic Air Force, as well as the provision of simulators, training, and logistic support. The Greek school will be equipped ten M346s that will be build by the Italian company, Leonardo.

The Israeli participated in an international tender in which CAE also participated. The Israeli winning bid was approved by the Greek government. The result is the largest defense procurement agreement between the two countries to date.

In due time, the Directorate for International Defense Cooperation (SIBAT) in the Israeli Ministry of Defense Ministry and Elbit Systems Ltd. will sign the agreement to establish the Greek flight school. The Israeli and Greek flight academies will see a close cooperation in the near future.

Currently, the IAF is using the T-6 Texan II and and the M346, with the Israeli name Lavi, from Hatzerim air base (Israel). The Greek operate the T-6 Texan II as well, but also fly the eldery Grumman T-2C Buckeye, both from Kalamata air base (Greece). The Buckeye will be replaced by the M346.

Photos by Paolo Rollino and Fred willemsen (both kindly provided by AirHistory.net)