Hellenic Air Force

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Hellenic Air Force
Πολεμική Αεροπορία
Image:Airforce.gif
Hellenic Air Force Emblem
Founded 1911
Country Image:Flag of Greece.svg Greece
Branch Hellenic Armed Forces
Role National Defense and Air Superiority
Size 33,000 personnel
557 aircraft
Part of Hellenic Ministry of National Defense
Motto "Αίεν Υψικρατείν"
"Always Dominate the Heights"
Colors Blue / White
Battles/wars Balkan Wars, World War I, Asia Minor Campaign, World War II, Korean War, Turkish invasion of Cyprus
Commanders
Chief of Air Force General Staff Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ioannis Yagos
Insignia
HAF Roundel Image:Hellenic Air Force Roundel.svg
HAF Fin Flash Image:50px-HAF-Finflash-Noncombat.svg.jpg
Aircraft flown
Attack F-16, Mirage 2000, Mirage 2000-5 Mk2, F-4E Phantom II
Bomber A-7 Corsair II
Fighter F-16 Fighting Falcon
Interceptor Mirage 2000, Mirage 2000-5 Mk2
Patrol P-3B Orion
Reconnaissance EMB-145SA, RF-4E, Pegasus II
Trainer T-41, T-6 Texan II, T-2
Transport C-27J, C-130, C-47, ERJ-135, Gulfstream V, Bell 212

The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) (Greek: Πολεμική Αεροπορία (ΠΑ), Polemikí Aeroporía) is the air force of Greece. The mission of the Hellenic Air Force is to guard and protect the Greek airspace, provide air assistance and support to the Hellenic Army and the Hellenic Navy as well as humanitarian aid (upon request) in Greece and around the world.

During the period of monarchy (1935-1973) the force was known as the Hellenic Royal Air Force (Ελληνική Βασιλική Αεροπορία (EBA), Ellinikí Vasilikí Aeroporía).

The motto of the Hellenic Air Force is "Αίεν Υψικρατείν" meaning "Always Dominate the Heights" and the HAF ensign represents a flying eagle in front of the Hellenic Air Force roundel. The Hellenic Air Force is one of the three branches of the Hellenic Armed Forces.

Contents

[edit] History

The Hellenic Air Force was founded in 1911 and has more than 90 years of history. The first efforts to introduce aviation in Greece clearly belong to Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos, whose contribution was widely recognized in 2000, when the Greek Government gave his name to the Athens International Airport.

[edit] Foundation and the Balkan Wars

Image:Henry Farman Daedalus.jpg
The Henri Farman was the first aircraft to enter service. It served in both Balkan Wars, and the First World War

In 1911 the Greek Government appointed French specialists to form the Hellenic Aviation Service. Six Greek officers were sent to France for training, while the first four "Farman" type aircraft were ordered. The first Greek aviator was Emmanuel Argyropoulos, who flew in a Nieuport IV.G. "Alcuin" aircraft, on February 8, 1912.

The first military flight was made on May 13 of 1912 by Lieutenant Dimitrios Kamberos. In June, Kamberos flew with the "Daedalus", a Farman Aviation Works aircraft that had been converted into a seaplane, setting a new world average speed record at 110 km/h and the foundations of Naval Aviation. During September of the same year, the Greek Army fielded its first squadron, the "Aviators Company" (Λόχος Αεροπόρων). On October 5, 1912, Kamberos flew the first combat mission, a reconnaissance flight over Thessaly. January 24, 1913 saw the first naval co-operation war mission worldwide, which took place above the Dardanelles. Aided by the destroyer Velos, first Lieutenant Michael Moutoussis and Ensign Aristidis Moraitinis flew the Maurice Farman hydroplane and drew up a diagram of the positions of the Turkish fleet, against which they dropped four bombs.

[edit] World War I and aftermath

Image:Mb151-1.jpg
In 1939 an order for 24 Marcel Bloch MB.151 fighter aircraft was placed, but only 9 of the aircraft reached Greece

The Hellenic Air Force participated in the Balkan Wars, World War I, the Asia Minor Campaign and World War II. Initially it consisted of the separate Army Aviation and Naval Aviation services, but in 1930 the Aviation Ministry was founded, establishing the Air Force as the third branch of the Armed Forces. In 1931 the Hellenic Air Force Academy, the Scholi Ikaron (Σχολή Ικάρων), was founded.

In 1939 an order for 24 Marcel Bloch MB.151 fighter aircraft was placed, but only 9 of the aircraft reached Greece, since the outbreak of World War II prevented the French from completing the order. The aircraft served in the 24th Pursuit Squadron (MD - Moira Dioxis) of the then Hellenic Royal Air Force.

[edit] World War II and Civil War

Image:GreekPZLP24.jpg
Drawing of a PZL P.24, the main Greek fighter in the Greco-Italian War

During the Second World War, the RHAF successfully resisted the Italian invasion in 1940, but practically the entire force was destroyed by the German Luftwaffe in April 1941. The Air Force was rebuilt in the Middle East as part of the British Royal Air Force, flying Spitfires, Hurricanes and Martin Baltimores.

After Greece's liberation in 1944, it returned home and subsequently played a decisive role in the Greek Civil War, which lasted until 1949.

[edit] Post-war developments

Image:F84f-1.jpg
The F-84F "Thunderstreak" first flew with the Hellenic Air Force in the 1950s
Image:F104-1.jpg
The F-104G "Starfighter". One of the main turbojets that entered the HAF fleet in late 1960s

In the 1950s, the force was rebuilt and organized according to NATO standards, with US aid. The Greek Air Force participated in the Korean War with a transport flight.

Many aircraft systems were revised. The F-84F first flew with the Hellenic Air Force in 1950. The Thunderstreak was developed to overcome the limitations of the Thunderjet's straight flying surfaces. The RF-84F was the reconnaissance version of the F-84 F Thunderstreak. This aircraft remained operational with the 348 Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron of the Hellenic Air Force from 1956 to March 29, 1991.

In late 1960s the modernization of the fleet was vital, so RHAF acquired new jet aircraft, that served well for almost 20 years. The main turbojets that entered the HAF fleet were the F-104G "Starfighter" and later on, the Convair F-102 "Delta Dagger" (in service 1969-1975), the Dassault Mirage F1CG, the F-5 "Freedom Fighter" and the F-4E "Phantom", upgraded versions of which still serve today.

[edit] Modernization

Image:Mirage 2000EG.jpg
H.A.F. Mirage 2000 EG climbing after take-off

Until the late 1980s the Air Force deployed Nike-Hercules Missiles armed with U.S. nuclear warheads. As a result of Greco-Turkish tensions around the 1974 Turkish invasion in Cyprus, the U.S. removed its nuclear weapons from Greek and Turkish alert units to storage. Greece saw this as another pro-Turkish move by NATO and withdrew its forces from NATO’s military command structure from 1974 to 1980.

In 1988 the first fourth[1] generation fighters were introduced, marking the beginning of a new era: the first Mirage 2000 EG/BG aircraft were delivered to the 114 Combat Wing and equipped the 331 and 332 squadrons. In January 1989, the first F-16C/D Block 30 arrived in Nea Anchialos (111 Combat Wing) and were allocated between the 330 and 346 squadrons.

In March 29, 1991 the RF-84F were retired from service after 34 years and 7 months of operational life. In November 1992 more RF-4E were delivered to the 348 Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron.

In 1997 the reception of fourth generation aircraft continued. In July, delivery of forty F-16 Block 50 began. The new aircraft, equipped with the LANTIRN navigation and targeting pod as well as AMRAAM and HARM missiles, were allocated to the 341 and 347 squadrons.

[edit] Entering the 21st century

Image:F16d-3.jpg
The F-16D Block 52+ entered service in 2005
Image:Eurofighter Typhoon.svg
Eurofighter Typhoon. One of the prime 4.5th generation aircraft candidates for the Hellenic Air Force

Greece participated in NATO "nuclear weapons sharing" until 2001, using A-7 Corsair IIs to deploy tactical B61 nuclear warheads from Araxos Air Base. Greece then strategically decided to remove all nuclear weapons under storage in Greece and did not purchase any more aircraft with nuclear mounting capabilities.

In September 2004 started the Mirage 2000BG/EG fleet upgrade to the standard 2000-5 Mk2 and the project was undertaken by the French manufacturer Dassault and the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB). Fifteen aircraft were ordered, while ten more were undertaken for upgrade by Dassault and EAB. The enhancements include upgraded radar and avionics, air-refueling capabilities, new self-defense system and upgraded engine, while the cockpit has taken some serious reforms.

In 2005, Greece was among the first countries to add the F-16 Block 52+ to its inventory. Ninety of these 4.5th [2] generation aircraft were ordered and delivery begun the same year. This advanced F-16 type is an improved version of the Block 50 featuring a more powerful radar, better communications systems and an upgraded engine. The Hellenic Air Force's Block 52+ belong to the 337, 340 and 343 Squadrons with call signs "Ghost", "Fox" and "Star" respectively. 337 SQ is based at Larissa Air Force Base (110 Combat Wing) and the other two in Souda AB (115 CW).

In 2007, the Hellenic Air Force has a total fighter fleet of 275 modern or upgraded aircraft and due to retirement of units that have ended their circle of operation, is looking forward to acquiring new 4th, 4.5th or 5th generation fighters in order to reach a total number of 300 advanced fighters, according to the "2007 Supreme Air Force Council Momentum" published in 2007. Such goal is to be gradually reached until 2015. Prime candidates for a 4.5th or 5th [3] generation aircraft, of which acquisition is considered certain, are the Eurofighter Typhoon, F-35 Lightning II (JSF), JAS 39 Gripen and Dassault Rafale.

[edit] Organisation

The Hellenic Air Force is overseen by the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence, whose current head is minister Vangelis Meimarakis. More specifically, HAF is directly overseen by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff.

The Hellenic Air Force includes approximately 33,000 active troops, of whom 11,750 are carrier officers, 14,000 are professional conscripts (ΕΠ.ΟΠ.), 7,250 are volunteer conscripts and 1,100 are women. The three commands are the Tactical Air Command, headquartered at Larisa, the Air Support Command and the Air Training Command, both based in Athens.

The Tactical Air Command includes eight Combat Wings and one Transport Wing. The Combat Wings have six fighter ground-attack squadrons. There are ten fighter squadrons, one regular reconnaissance squadron, and one marine reconnaissance squadron. Three transport squadrons and two helicopter squadrons form the organization of the air portion of the Tactical Air Command. The Air Training Command includes four training squadrons.

The eight major H.A.F. installations are located in Larisa, Nea Ankhialos southeast of Larisa, Elefsis, west of Athens, Thessaloniki, Tanagra, north of Athens, Souda Bay, Araxos in the northern Peloponnese, and Andravida. Other airports supporting military operations are located in the Aegean Islands of Karpathos, Santorini (Thira), Rhodes, Skyros, and Lemnos as well as in Kavala, Heraklion, and Tatoi/Dekeleia, north of Athens.

  • Combat operations are overseen by the Chief of Operations of the Supreme Air Force Council.
  • Support services are managed by the Directorate of Aeronautical Support of the Air Force Support Command.
  • The training squadrons and air force schools, like the "Icarus Air Force Academy" and the "School of Advanced War Training", run by the Training Directorate of the Air Force Training Command.

[edit] Senior Command

  • Minister of National Defence (Website)  : Evangelos Meimarakis
    • Chief of Air Force General Staff  : Air Marshal Ioannis Yagos (Pilot)
      • Chief of Tactical Air Force Command (HTAFC)  : Air Marshal Theologos Simeonidis (Pilot)
        • Commander of Combined Air Operation Center 7 (CAOC7)  : Air Marshal Theologos Simeonidis (Pilot)
      • Chief of Air Force Support Command (HAFSC)  : Air Vice Marshal Vasilios Tzinaetis (Pilot)
      • Chief of Air Force Training Command (HATC)  : Air Vice Marshal Nikolaos Goutzouris (Pilot)

[edit] Officers Ranks and Insignia

NATO CodeOF-10OF-9OF-8OF-7OF-6OF-5OF-4OF-3OF-2OF-1OF-D-Student Officer
Image:Flag of Greece.svg Greece
(Edit)
No equivalent Image:Hellenic Air Force OF-9.svg Image:Hellenic Air Force OF-8.svg Image:Hellenic Air Force OF-7.svg Image:Hellenic Air Force OF-6.svg Image:Hellenic Air Force OF-5.svg Image:Hellenic Air Force OF-4.svg Image:Hellenic Air Force OF-3.svg Image:Hellenic Air Force OF-2.svg Image:Hellenic Air Force OF-1A.svg Image:Hellenic Air Force OF-1B.svg
Pterarchos Antipterarchos Ypopterarchos Taxiarchos Sminarchos Antisminarchos Episminagos Sminagos Yposminagos Anthiposminagos
Image:F-16mycutAB.jpg
Hellenic Air Force F-16 Block52+. Notice the conformal fuel tanks
  • OF-10: No equivalent rank in the Air Force because of the structure of the Hellenic Armed Forces

[edit] Combat Wings

Image:MirageMycutAB.jpg
Hellenic Air Force Mirage 2000-5 Mk2, able to carry the SCALP-EG long range, self-guided missile (also known as "Storm Shadow")
Image:Corsair.sideview.fairford.arp.jpg
TA-7C Corsair II of the Hellenic Air Force, taxiing for take off at the Royal International Air Tattoo, Fairford, England, in 2005
  • 110th Combat Wing (110 Πτέρυγα Μάχης)
    • 337th Fighter Squadron "Ghost" (337 Μοίρα "Φάντασμα") - Flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon - C/D Block 52+
    • 346th Fighter Squadron "Jason" (346 Μοίρα "Ιάσων") - Flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon - C/D Block 30
    • 348th Fighter Squadron "Eyes" (348 Μοίρα "Μάτια") - Flies the F-4 Phantom II - RF-4E Phantom II

  • 111th Combat Wing (111 Πτέρυγα Μάχης)
    • 330th Fighter Squadron "Thunder" (330 Μοίρα "Κεραύνος") - Flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon - C/D Block 30
    • 341st Fighter Squadron "Ace" (341 Μοίρα "Άσσος") - Flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon - C/D Block 50
    • 347th Fighter Squadron "Perseus" (347 Μοίρα "Περσεύς") - Flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon - C/D Block 50
  • 114th Combat Wing (114 Πτέρυγα Μάχης)
    • 331st Fighter Squadron "Aegeus" (331 Μοίρα "Αιγέας") - Flies the Mirage 2000 - 2000-5 Mk2
    • 332nd Fighter Squadron "Falcon" (332 Μοίρα "Γεράκι") - Flies the Mirage 2000 - BG/EG
  • 115th Combat Wing (115 Πτέρυγα Μάχης)
    • 340th Fighter Squadron "Fox" (340 Μοίρα "Αλεπού") - Flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon - C/D Block 52+
    • 343rd Fighter Squadron "Star" (343 Μοίρα "Αστέρι") - Flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon - C/D Block 52+
  • 116th Combat Wing (116 Πτέρυγα Μάχης), based in Araxos, prefecture of Achaia
    • 335 Bomber Squadron "Tigers" (335 Μοίρα Βομβαρδισμού "Τίγρεις") - Flies the A-7 Corsair - TA-7C Corsair II
    • 336 Bomber Squadron "Hawk" (336 Μοίρα Βομβαρδισμου "Γεράκι") - Flies the A-7 Corsair - TA-7C Corsair II
  • 117th Combat Wing (117 Πτέρυγα Μάχης), based in Andravida, prefecture of Ilia
    • 338 Interception Squadron "Ares" (338 Μοίρα Αναχαίτσης "Άρης") - Flies the F-4 PI2000 - F-4E Phantom II
    • 339 Interception Squadron "Ajax" (338 Μοίρα Αναχαίτισης "Αίας") - Flies the F-4 PI2000 - F-4E Phantom II

[edit] Training Wings

Image:335 SQRN - Logo.jpg
Ensign of the 335 Bomber Squadron "Tigers", part of the 116 Combat Wing, located in Araxos, Greece
  • 124 Basic Training Wing (124 Πτέρυγα Βασικής Εκπαίδευσης), located in Tripoli, Arcadia.
    • 1st Cadets Training Squadron (1η Mοίρα Εκπαίδευσης Νεοσυλλέκτων)
    • 2nd Cadets Training Squadron (2η Mοίρα Εκπαίδευσης Νεοσυλλέκτων)
    • 3rd Cadets Training Squadron (3η Mοίρα Εκπαίδευσης Νεοσυλλέκτων)
    • Local Defense Training Squadron (Mοίρα Εκπαίδευσης Τοπικής Άμυνας)
  • 120 Air Training Wing (120 Πτέρυγα Εκπαίδευσης Αέρος), located in Kalamata, Messinia.
    • 361 Air Training Squadron (361 Μοίρα Εκπαίδευσης Αέρος)
    • 362 Air Training Squadron (362 Μοίρα Εκπαίδευσης Αέρος)
    • 363 Air Training Squadron (363 Μοίρα Εκπαίδευσης Αέρος)
    • 364 Air Training Squadron (364 Μοίρα Εκπαίδευσης Αέρος)
    • Sea Survival Training School / S.S.T.S. (Σχολείο Εκπαίδευσης Θαλάσσιας Επιβίωσης / Σ.Ε.Ε.Θ.)
  • 123 Technical Training Wing (123 Πτέρυγα Τεχνικής Εκπαίδευσης), located in Decelea, Tatoi.
    • Air Defense Staff Training Center (Κέντρο Εκπαίδευσης Προσωπικού Αεράμυνας / Κ.Ε.Π.Α.)
    • 128 Squadron of Communications Training and Avionics (128 Σμηναρχία Εκπαίδευσης Τηλεπικοινωνιών και Ηλεκτρονικών / Σ.Ε.Τ.Η.), located in Kavouri, Athens

[edit] Equipment

[edit] Aircraft inventory

Aircraft and Helicopters Origin Type Versions In service Total Numbers Notes
Alenia C-27 Spartan Image:Flag of Italy.svg Italy Transport C-27J 12 8 have been delivered of which 4 have entered service. The remaining 4 on order will be equipped with IFRRS (In Flight Refuelling Receiver System). [4]
Lockheed C-130 Hercules Image:Flag of the United States.svg United States Transport C-130B
C-130H
5
10
15 The fleet is undergoing an Avionics Upgrade (AUP) by SPAR Aerospace [5] and HAI.
Douglas C-47 Skytrain Image:Flag of the United States.svg United States Transport C-47B 2 Kept for historical reasons
Gulfstream V Image:Flag of the United States.svg United States VIP Transport G500 1
Embraer ERJ-135 Image:Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil VIP Transport ERJ-135ER 2
Embraer EMB-145 Image:Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil Airborne Early Warning (AEW&C) EMB-145SA 4 also known as "Ericsson Erieye"
EAB Pegasus II Image:Flag of Greece.svg Greece Reconnaissance (RUAV) E1-79 5 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Lockheed P-3 Orion Image:Flag of the United States.svg United States Maritime Patrol P-3B 4 2 more retired and used for spare parts
NAMC YS-11 Image:Flag of Japan.svg Japan Calibration YS-11A 1
McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II Image:Flag of the United States.svg United States Fighter
Reconnaissance
F-4E PI2000
RF-4E
35
21
56
Vought A-7 Corsair II Image:Flag of the United States.svg United States Ground Attack A-7E
TA-7C
A-7H
TA-7H
36
15
29
5
85

Plans to retire by 2010. The 34 TA/A-7H will be put in reserve but will be kept operational till their final retirement.

Dassault Mirage 2000 Image:Flag of France.svg France Fighter 2000BGM-3
2000EGM-3
2000-5 Mk2
3
17
25
45 6 Mirage-2000-5 Mk2 have been delivered and 19 more are under delivery [6].
Lockheed F-16 Fighting Falcon Image:Flag of the United States.svg United States Fighter F-16C
F-16D
102
28
130[1] Versions operating: Block 30, Block 50D, Block 52+
20 additional F-16C Block 50 and 10 F-16D Block 52+ aircraft on order [7]
Cessna T-41 Mescalero Image:Flag of the United States.svg United States Trainer T-41D 20 Military version of the Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Image:Flag of the United States.svg United States Trainer T-6A
T-6A NTA
25
20
45 T-6A NTA has the capability to carry rocket pods, gun pods, external fuel tanks and bombs (similar to T-6B). [8]
Rockwell T-2 Buckeye Image:Flag of the United States.svg United States Trainer T-2C
T-2E
5
35
40
Bombardier CL-215 Image:Flag of Canada.svg Canada Firefighting 13
Bombardier CL-415 Image:Flag of Canada.svg Canada Firefighting
Firefighting & SAR
415GR
415MP
7
1
8 CL-415MP model have SAR capabilities. It is visually recognisable by the black radome at the nose cone.[9] [10]
PZL-Mielec M-18 Dromader Image:Flag of Poland.svg Poland Firefighting M-18
M-18BS
19
3
22
Grumman Ag Cat Image:Flag of the United States.svg United States Crop dusting G-164A 12
Agusta A109 Image:Flag of Italy.svg Italy MEDEVAC Helicopter A-109 Power 3
Eurocopter Super Puma Image:Flag of France.svg France CSAR & SAR Helicopter AS-332C1 10 2 have MEDEVAC configuration, while the initial 4 were ordered by the Ministry of Merchant Marine. [11]
Bell 212 Image:Flag of Italy.svg Italy VIP Helicopter Bell-212 2
Bell 205 Image:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SAR Helicopter AB-205 7 built by Agusta
Bell 47 Image:Flag of the United States.svg United States Utility Helicopter 47G 7

[edit] Retired & Historical Aircraft

Image:EMB R-99A.jpg
Embraer R-99A Erieye AEW&C platform. HAF operates 4 Ericsson Erieye platforms (EMB-145SA)
Image:Exocet-mil.jpg
MM-40 EXOCET launch

[edit] Weapons Inventory

Image:Patriot missile launch.jpg
PATRIOT PAC III Missiles Launching System
Image:Storm Shadow p1220865.jpg
Storm Shadow (SCALP-EG) Self guided, long range missile

[edit] Navigation & Targeting Pods

Image:F-15E LANTIRN pod.jpg
LANTIRN navigation and targeting pod
  • DB-110: 2
  • LANTIRN-AWNP (F-16 Block 50D & 52+): 24
  • LANTIRN-TP (F-16 Block 50D & 52+): 24
  • F-4E UAP Targeting Pods: 15
  • A-7E Night Navigation Pods: ?

[edit] Anti-aircraft Systems

[edit] Notes

The camo extensively used is the "Aegean Ghost" theme (Φάντασμα του Αιγαίου). Note that Greece has placed an order for 20 additional F-16C Block 50 and 10 F-16D Block 52+ aircraft [13]. Also, the purchase of new generation fighters is likely to follow due to the A-7 Corsairs being gradually retired from service. The prime candidates are the Eurofighter Typhoon , the F-35 Lightning II (Joint Strike Fighter) and the French Rafale.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ "World Military Aircraft Inventory", Aerospace Source Book 2007, Aviation Week & Space Technology, January 15 2007.
  • "Greek Defensive Review 2007-2008", "Amintiki Grammi" Publications, August 2007
  • "World Military Aircraft Inventory", Aerospace Source Book 2007, Aviation Week & Space Technology, 15 January 2007
  • The Library of Congress Country Studies, CIA World Factbook
  • Hellenic Air Force official website

[edit] External links


 
Military of Greece
Image:Flag of Greece.svg
Hellenic Navy | Hellenic Army | Hellenic Air Force
cs:Řecké vojenské letectvo

el:Ελληνική Πολεμική Αεροπορία ja:ギリシャ空軍

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