Μake us preferred on Google Greece’s Air Force is entering a new era, with the introduction of fifth-generation fighter jets, advanced air defense and anti-missile systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said Sunday.
In a message posted on X to mark the feast day of Archangel Michael, the patron saint of the Hellenic Air Force, Dendias also highlighted plans to expand the country’s military capabilities through aerial refueling aircraft and the development of space operations.
He extended his congratulations to pilots and all Air Force personnel, praising their role in protecting Greece’s national sovereignty.
“Happy name day to the pilots who defend our national sovereignty in the skies every day, as well as to all the women and men of our Air Force, on the feast day of their patron saint, Archangel Michael,” he said.
Dendias noted that three KC-390 Millennium aircraft would soon join Greece’s modernized transport fleet, providing new operational capabilities through aerial refueling.
The aircraft are part of a procurement agreement with Portugal announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Greece will acquire three aircraft, with the option to purchase three more.
The defense minister also pointed to plans for Greece’s first operational presence in space, with the forthcoming launch of a Space Command and the integration of a series of satellites into military planning and national communications control.
However, he said the Air Force’s most valuable asset remained its personnel.
“They are a shield for the country, but also a valuable source of support for Greek society through air medical evacuation, search and rescue, and aerial firefighting missions, wherever and whenever required,” Dendias said.
He also paid tribute to Air Force personnel who lost their lives while carrying out their duties.
“Today, in particular, our thoughts turn with respect and gratitude to those who took off to defend their homeland and never landed,” he said, concluding with the Air Force motto, “Always Dominate the Heights” (Aien Ypsikratein).
Air Force Day events across Greece
The celebrations on Sunday, November 8, included commemorative ceremonies, public events and aerial demonstrations.
A memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony were scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Fallen Airmen Memorial at Dhekelia Air Base, followed by an official celebration and religious service at 11 a.m. at the Hellenic Air Force Academy, also located at the base.
The academy opened its doors to the public from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., with activities including F-16 and F-35 flight simulators, virtual reality equipment, a photography exhibition and competition, model aircraft displays, an aviation-themed escape room and a military aviation quiz.
The program also included children’s sports activities led by distinguished Olympic athletes, a historical aircraft diorama and a screening of the film Stealth at 2 p.m.
Food and drinks were available free of charge from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Martial arts demonstrations were scheduled for 4 p.m., followed by a concert featuring DJ Pablo Nuevo and radio presenter Fanis Lampropoulos at 6:15 p.m. A drone show was due to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Separate aerial demonstrations were scheduled at two locations. At noon, the F-16 “Zeus” solo demonstration team was due to perform at Larissa Air Base, while the T-6A “Daedalus” team was scheduled to give a demonstration at Kalamata beach at 2 p.m.
