Greece is preparing the next phase of its military modernization program, with a series of major defense acquisitions and upgrades either awaiting approval, under negotiation, or scheduled for delivery in the coming years.
The plans follow key decisions made by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) on July 23. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has also announced that a second phase of Greece’s new force structure will be presented in September, incorporating lessons learned from recent conflicts, warfare, and technological developments.
F-16 Viper Upgrade Expansion
The Ministry of National Defence is awaiting a Letter of Acceptance from the United States after submitting a Letter of Request for the upgrade of 38 Hellenic Air Force F-16 Block 50 fighter jets to the advanced Viper configuration.
Military sources said the program’s cost could reach approximately €1.1 billion, around €100 million above earlier estimates, although officials reportedly do not consider the increase a concern.
If U.S. approval arrives this fall, as expected, preparations will begin so work on the additional aircraft can start immediately after the ongoing modernization of 83 F-16 Block 52+ and Block 52+ Advanced fighters is completed. Fifty-six upgraded aircraft have already been delivered, and the program aims to field a total of 121 F-16 Vipers.
Bergamini Frigates Face Delayed Delivery
Negotiations also continue over Greece’s planned acquisition of two Italian FREMM Bergamini-class frigates.
Initial expectations that the first vessel would enter service in 2028 now appear unlikely, with both ships instead expected to be delivered between 2029 and 2030.
Before joining the Hellenic Navy, the frigates are expected to undergo limited modifications to make them operationally more compatible with Greece’s French-built Belharra frigates. Planned upgrades include decisions on anti-ship missiles, Aster surface-to-air missile loadouts, ammunition for the main guns, and enhancements to the anti-submarine warfare configuration of the first ship, Carlo Bergamini.
A key element of the project is the installation of CAPTAS-4 towed sonar systems on both vessels. The same sonar is used on the Belharra frigates and is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced anti-submarine systems.
While earlier estimates placed the acquisition cost at €700 million, plus €100 million for follow-on support, defense sources now say the final cost for the first two ships could approach €1 billion.
Officials also expressed reservations about the option to purchase two additional FREMM frigates under the proposed “2+2” arrangement, noting that any future decision will depend on Greece’s fiscal capacity.
Helicopter Plans Shift
A proposal to acquire 14 Leonardo AW-139M search-and-rescue helicopters for the Hellenic Air Force is now considered unlikely to proceed.
Instead, officials are expected to rely on the Air Force’s existing Super Puma fleet, along with three AW-139 helicopters already purchased by Greece’s Civil Protection agency under the “Aegis” program. According to well-informed sources, those aircraft are likely to be transferred to the Air Force’s operational control.
Meanwhile, deliveries of the first 10 of 35 Black Hawk helicopters for the Hellenic Army Aviation are expected during 2027, with the full program scheduled for completion in 2030.
The final four of Greece’s seven MH-60R Romeo anti-submarine helicopters are also expected to arrive this fall, provided deliveries remain on schedule.
