File photo.
The Hellenic Air Force is set to begin training its first F-35 pilots by September, with 14 pilots and 60 technicians heading to the United States this summer.
Though the first Greek F-35 fighter jets are not expected to arrive in Andravida Air Base until the start of the next decade, training is to begin early due to the program’s complexity and demands.
Initial pilot training will take place at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where pilots are required to complete at least 192 hours of simulator training before their first flight, as the F-35 lacks a two-seater configuration. Technicians will begin their preparation at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, working with digital models and mock-ups before hands-on training.
In parallel, Hellenic Air Force officials will soon travel to Washington to join the Joint Program Office (JPO), which oversees the F-35’s international partners. From there, they will monitor the program’s progress and coordinate details regarding the delivery, support and integration of Greece’s 20 aircraft.
Sources confirm the program is on schedule, with a contract between the US government and Lockheed Martin expected soon – signaling the start of production.
Meanwhile, Athens is closely watching developments surrounding Turkey’s potential re-entry into the F-35 program. Even if Ankara rejoins, existing production orders mean it is unlikely to receive aircraft before Greece.
While Turkey may retain a numerical edge, Greece’s Rafale fighters – especially when paired with Meteor missiles – are expected to maintain its qualitative advantage in air superiority. Further investment in French aircraft and advanced detection systems is likely if Turkey rejoins the F-35 program.
