French Dassault Aviation has delivered the 24th and final Rafale fighter jet to the Hellenic Air Force’s Tanagra air base.
Greece’s 332nd Squadron welcomed the single-seat aircraft, joining the rest of the country’s fleet of combat aircraft, which includes F-16s in various configurations and the incoming F-35 Lightning II fighter jets.
This latest delivery forms part of a March 2022 contract for Athens’ acquisition of six additional new Rafale aircraft, following a 2.5-billion euro ($2.5-billion) deal inked in January 2021 to purchase 18 Rafales.
Under the 2021 contract, 12 out of 18 aircraft were previously operated by the French Air Force while the rest are new. Six months later, the Hellenic Air Force welcomed its first Rafale fighter jet.
The latest delivery supports the European country’s objective to operate 200 aircraft from the 4.5 and 5th generations comprising the F-16 Viper, F-35s, and the Rafales by 2030, boosting its air superiority and defense capabilities amid tensions with historical rival Turkey.
