Greece Hits Midpoint in F-16 Viper Upgrade Program as 42 Jets Delivered

Greece has reached a major milestone in its ambitious fighter modernization program as the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) accepted delivery of its 42nd upgraded F-16V “Viper” aircraft. The program, which aims to convert all 84 of Greece’s F-16C/D Block 52+ and Block 52M fighters to the advanced Block 70 configuration, is now officially at its halfway point. This upgrade significantly enhances the combat capability and interoperability of the HAF within NATO’s airpower structure.

Background: From Legacy Falcons to Advanced Vipers

The Hellenic Air Force has operated various versions of the F-16 Fighting Falcon since the late 1980s. Over time, it acquired multiple blocks—initially Block 30s, followed by more advanced Block 50 and Block 52+ variants. In December 2017, Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract via Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to upgrade a fleet of 84 Greek F-16s to the latest Block 70/72 configuration—known commercially as the F-16V “Viper.”

The upgrade includes a new Northrop Grumman APG-83 AESA radar (derived from the F-35’s APG-81), a modernized cockpit with large color multifunction displays, an advanced mission computer and data bus architecture, Link-16 datalink integration, improved electronic warfare systems including ALQ-213 EW suite upgrades, and compatibility with advanced munitions such as AIM-120D AMRAAMs and AGM-88E AARGMs.

These enhancements bring legacy airframes into near-parity with fifth-generation fighters in terms of situational awareness and network-centric warfare capabilities—key for operations in contested environments like the Eastern Mediterranean.

Program Status: Halfway Mark Achieved

The announcement that Greece has received its 42nd upgraded aircraft was made by Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias during a visit to Tanagra Air Base on September 25, where he inspected several newly delivered jets. The upgrades are being performed by Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) at its facilities in Schimatari under Lockheed Martin’s supervision.

According to Lockheed Martin and Greek MoD sources, deliveries began in early 2021 following initial prototype testing. The first fully upgraded Viper flew in January 2021 after conversion at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility. Since then, serial production has shifted entirely to Greece. The program is expected to be completed by late 2027 or early 2028.

Total aircraft planned for upgrade: 84
Aircraft delivered as of Sept. 2025: 42
Upgrade site: HAI Tanagra facility
Total program cost: Estimated $1.5 billion via U.S. FMS

Tactical Impact on Regional Balance

The upgraded Vipers provide Greece with one of Europe’s most capable fourth-generation fighter fleets—enhancing deterrence against regional adversaries such as Turkey, which operates older Block 30/40/50 variants but is currently excluded from acquiring F-35s due to CAATSA sanctions stemming from Ankara’s S-400 acquisition.

The APG-83 AESA radar gives Greek pilots significant advantages in beyond visual range (BVR) engagements through better target tracking and resistance against jamming. Combined with AIM-120D missiles and Link-16 enabled network-centric operations alongside NATO allies like Italy or France (Rafale-equipped), Greece can now conduct high-end air superiority missions across contested A2/AD zones.

This capability also complements Greece’s parallel acquisition of Dassault Rafale fighters (18 ordered initially; expanded to over two dozen), creating a mixed-fleet approach that leverages both American interoperability and French sensor/weapons diversity.

Industrial Participation & Strategic Value for Greece

A key feature of this program is local industrial participation through HAI. By conducting upgrades domestically under Lockheed Martin guidance—and potentially developing long-term sustainment capabilities—Greece strengthens its defense industrial base while reducing lifecycle costs.

This also positions HAI for potential export support roles or MRO work on other regional fleets operating similar platforms (e.g., Morocco or Taiwan). Moreover, it reinforces U.S.-Greek defense cooperation amid broader strategic realignments across NATO’s southeastern flank.

The program aligns with recent U.S.-Greece defense agreements expanding access to bases like Souda Bay and Alexandroupoli—underlining Athens’ growing role as a regional security hub amid instability in Libya, Syria, and Ukraine-adjacent Black Sea corridors.

What Comes Next?

The next phase will focus on sustaining production pace while integrating new weapons packages compatible with the upgraded avionics suite—including Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), AGM-154 JSOW glide bombs, and potentially anti-radiation missiles like AARGM if approved for export.

Apart from completing all Viper conversions by late this decade, Greece may also explore further modernization paths such as conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) for extended range or enhanced EW pods for SEAD/DEAD missions. Additionally, discussions persist around acquiring fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-35A Lightning II post-Viper completion—a move that would further elevate Greek airpower parity within NATO’s southern command structure.

Conclusion

The halfway mark in Greece’s F‑16V upgrade program represents more than just numerical progress—it reflects strategic investment into future-proofing national airpower against evolving threats across multiple domains. With enhanced sensors, weapons integration capabilities, and digital connectivity via Link‑16 networks, these upgraded jets will serve as force multipliers well into the mid‑2030s.