Greece Could Deliver 32 F-16s Aircraft Fighter to Ukraine.

According to an article by Al Jazeera published on July 16, 2024, Greece plans to send 32 F-16s to Ukraine. These planes are scheduled to be decommissioned, but it was widely known that the Ukrainians had their eyes on them. It appears that Greece will grant Ukraine new F-16s, according to an unnamed source cited by Al Jazeera.
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A Greek F-16 that could be given to Ukraine. (Picture source: US DoD)

Greece has been an unwavering supporter of Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion, driven by its security concerns. Greece's support for Ukraine has been substantial. Shortly after the war began, Greece sent two C-130 planes loaded with military supplies, including 20,000 Kalashnikov rifles. This support drew the ire of Russia, which accused Greece of endangering civilians, including ethnic Greeks in Ukraine.

Greece also provided Ukraine with 20,000 artillery shells, Stinger missiles, and 40 Soviet-era BMP-1 armored personnel carriers. Additionally, Greece is preparing to send transformers to help restore Ukraine's damaged electrical infrastructure, which is crucial for both civilian needs and military operations.

An important development in Greece's support for Ukraine involves military aviation. Greece is set to decommission 32 older F-16 Block-30 fighter jets as it upgrades its fleet with newer models and acquires advanced Rafale fighters from France and potentially F-35 jets from the United States. Ukraine, needing about 150 F-16s, has expressed interest in these decommissioned jets. Reports suggest that Ukraine could receive several dozen decommissioned F-16s from Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Greece's 32 jets would significantly bolster this number.

The preferred method for transferring these jets would be to sell them to the United States, which would then upgrade them before passing them on to Kyiv. This arrangement allows Greece to support Ukraine while managing its own security needs.

Despite the strategic importance of this support, there is some reluctance within Greece. Military experts express concern that giving away these jets would weaken Greece's air force, which requires a robust fleet to maintain regional security.

The F-16 Block 30, introduced in 1987, is an improved version of the F-16 fighter, notable for its General Electric F110-GE-100 engine. Unlike the Block 32, which uses a Pratt & Whitney engine, the Block 30 has larger air intakes for its increased thrust. It is capable of carrying advanced missiles such as the AGM-45 Shrike, AGM-88 HARM, and AIM-120. The U.S. Air National Guard has upgraded these planes with improved inertial guidance systems, an enhanced electronic warfare suite, and the capability to use the LITENING targeting pod. These upgrades have transformed the F-16 Block 30 into a highly capable version, often called the F-16C++.

Greece's commitment to aiding Ukraine in its conflict with Russia has been multifaceted and substantial, highlighted by potential transfers of F-16 fighter jets. This move not only supports Ukraine's defense efforts but also reflects Greece's strategic considerations and the complex balance it maintains in its regional security posture.