Hellenic Air Force has updated its modernization plans to include the latest versions of the French Rafale fighter jets, aiming to have them in service by 2030 most likely the advanced F4.3 variant. According to the Greek media Kathimeriní, Athens may acquire additional Rafales by the end of the decade to replace its Mirage 2000-5 fighters, whose maintenance contracts expire in 2027.
This isn't the first time the idea of new Rafales for Greece has surfaced in the media. Yet it marks a sharp turn from 2024, when Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that Greece had no plans for more Rafales, focusing instead on American F-35s.
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The change likely comes in response to Türkiye's recent €10.7 billion deal for 44 Eurofighter jets a massive contract that shifted the regional balance. While neither Greece, France, nor Dassault have officially commented on the potential deal, purchasing new Rafales would be a logical step for Athens.
Interestingly, this development could have implications for Ukraine as well. Previous reports suggested that part of a Rafale deal might involve selling Greece's used Mirage 2000-5 Mk. II fighters to a third country, which could then transfer them to Ukraine.
Although this scenario remains uncertain, France could offer Greece a discount on new Rafales in exchange for releasing the Mirages an incentive that might make the proposal appealing.
Still, this is a long-term prospect rather than an immediate one. The key question now is how operational Greeces Mirage 2000-5 fleet will remain after 2027, once maintenance ends. The jets might at least serve as a valuable source of spare parts.
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