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Defense Minister Nikos Dendias expressed his deep sorrow over the crash of the Hellenic Air Force F-4 Phantom that was taking part in Athens Flying Week in Tanagra, in which both pilots were killed.

“The news of the loss of two Air Force pilots in the accident at Athens Flying Week causes the deepest sorrow for all of us,” Dendias said in a social media post, adding that his ministry’s thoughts “are with their families and colleagues, to whom we extend our most sincere condolences.”

The Hellenic National Defense General Staff (GEETHA) announced a three-day mourning period across the Armed Forces over the loss of the two crew members. “By decision of Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, three days of mourning are declared across the Armed Forces, from today, Saturday, September 5, 2026, through Monday, September 7, 2026,” the GEETHA statement said.

The Hellenic Air Force General Staff said the crash, involving an aircraft from the 117th Combat Wing, occurred at 2:55 p.m., three nautical miles southeast of the 114th Combat Wing. The two crew members, Lieutenant Colonel (I) I.M. and Captain (I) D.P., were fatally injured. The causes of the crash are under investigation by a Hellenic Air Force committee.