Six Additional Rafale Aircraft for Greece

The Government of Greece has signed a contract with Dassault Aviation for the acquisition of six additional new Rafale aircraft, increasing the number of Rafale operated by the Hellenic Air Force to 24. 

The contract was signed by the Greek Ministry of Defense’s director-general of Armaments and Investments vice-admiral Aristidis Alexopoulos and Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier in Athens. 

Greece ordered 18 Rafale fighter jets in January 2021, six of which were delivered to the Tanagra Air Base in Greece earlier this year. These 18 Rafale will be fully deployed in Greece by summer 2023, and the six additional Rafale will be delivered to the Hellenic Air Force shortly thereafter, starting summer 2024.

The Greek government’s decision to proceed with this new Rafale order extends nearly fifty years of partnership with Dassault Aviation. This additional order reflects the Greek government’s satisfaction with the Rafale’s operational qualities, as well as its determination to strengthen the combat capabilities of the Hellenic Air Force in order to guarantee the country’s sovereignty and ensure the security of its population.

“This new contract demonstrates the Greek government’s confidence in the Rafale, which is already actively contributing to guaranteeing Greece’s sovereignty and operational independence,” said Eric Trappier after the signing ceremony. “Once again, I am honored by the Hellenic Air Force’s renewed trust in Dassault Aviation, reflecting nearly half a century of unwavering partnership. I would also like to assure the Greek authorities of our full commitment to fully meet their expectations.”