The joint training between the F-35 and F-16 Viper fighter aircraft is a step forward for the future of the Hellenic Air Force, as the results of the “Ramstein Flag 2024” exercise, which took place for the first time last October in Greece, show the gradual familiarization of Greek crews with a highly advanced weapon such as the F-35.

The first exercise on European soil took place in Andravida and specifically at the airport where the necessary works will start in 2026 to progressively accommodate the Greek F-35. In a highly complex flight, however, during the exercise, F-35 and F-16V fighters participated in combined missions, “confirming the readiness and the common spirit of cooperation between allied forces,” according to HAF.

In addition to the pilots’ ultimate coordination and precision, their co-training on the ground and in the air brought the Greek pilots closer to the operational capabilities of the “invisible” F-35, which is expected to introduce the Air Force to a new era of in-flight data analysis due to the volume and processing of information it receives through multiple sensors.

At the same time, over the three weeks in which the exercise unfolded, the countries’ missions worked closely with each other. In particular, the Greek pilots had the opportunity to observe a series of F-35 operations, as well as to share their thoughts on issues related to aircraft maintenance and operation, receiving the necessary expertise.

India and Qatar in “Iniochos 2025”

Note that the next “Ramstein Flag 2025” exercise will take place from late March to April 11 in the Netherlands, with the participation of Greek F-16V fighters, while there will be re-participation of Allied F-35s, in the wake of the co-training exercise held in Andravida in the autumn. There, the “Iniochos 25” exercise will take place on the same days, with the participation already described as remarkable, as in addition to the participation of NATO member countries, there will be participation from India, Qatar and other countries.

In the European F-35 club

Beyond joint training, the prospect of the Hellenic Armed Forces acquiring the fifth-generation fighter has resulted in Greece’s participation in the “European F-35 Air Chiefs Meeting”, where Athens is participating for the first time as a user of the program.

During the meeting at Amendola Air Base in Italy, specific issues concerning the maintenance and support of the F-35, as well as the training of personnel on this type of aircraft were discussed. Greece’s official debut in the European club of countries owning F-35 fighter aircraft was reflected in the colors of the flag on the club’s logo, as well as in the agenda of the meeting, which was attended by the Chief of the Air Force General Staff, Vice Admiral (I) Demosthenes Gregoriadis.