Greece Eyes 2029 F-35 Arrival

HAF Sets Timeline for Fifth-Generation Air Power

Lieutenant General Demosthenes Grigoriadis confirmed that Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II deliveries to the Hellenic Air Force should begin in 2029.

According to statements reported by Greek City Times, Greece continues to accelerate one of the largest military modernisation programmes in its history. The effort covers air power, naval expansion and next-generation missile defence capabilities.

AI Cooperation Expands with France

Grigoriadis highlighted deeper operational cooperation with the French Air and Space Force.

The two countries already conduct joint work on artificial intelligence, operational targeting and advanced battlefield technologies. Military personnel from both nations currently collaborate on AI-assisted systems for precision targeting and air mission planning.

Greek officials view these technologies as essential for future high-intensity operations. AI-supported decision cycles could shorten targeting timelines and improve strike coordination during complex engagements.

New Space Applications Command Planned

Athens Pushes into Space-Based Defence

Grigoriadis also revealed plans to establish a new “Space Applications Command” within the Greek Air Force structure.

Greek and French defence officials are jointly developing the initiative. The command aims to strengthen Greece’s capabilities in emerging defence technologies and space-based operations.

Athens increasingly sees space assets as critical for intelligence collection, communications resilience and regional surveillance across the Eastern Mediterranean.

Loyal Wingman Drones Enter Future Planning

Greece Targets Manned-Unmanned Teaming

The Greek Air Force also plans to procure “loyal wingman” unmanned aircraft within the next five years.

These drones would operate alongside combat aircraft during high-risk missions. Greek planners expect the systems to improve survivability, reconnaissance capacity and operational reach.

The concept mirrors broader NATO trends, where unmanned platforms increasingly support crewed fighters in contested airspace.

Patriot System Demonstrates Ballistic Defence Capability

Three Missiles Destroyed Three Targets

Grigoriadis also addressed the combat readiness of Greek air defence personnel.

Referring to recent interception exercises involving the MIM-104 Patriot system, he stated: “Three missiles destroyed three ballistic targets.”

The remark underlined Greece’s growing focus on layered missile defence amid rising regional security concerns.

Eastern Mediterranean Operations Remain Central

Tanker Support Seen as Critical Force Multiplier

Grigoriadis stressed that aerial refuelling capability remains essential for long-range operations over the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus.

He argued that newly acquired frigates now operate as part of an integrated air defence network alongside Dassault Rafale jets and upgraded F-16 Block 70 Viper fighters.

According to the Greek commander, this integrated structure significantly strengthens the defensive umbrella over Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean theatre.

Strategic Insight

Greece no longer focuses solely on replacing ageing aircraft. Athens now aims to build a fully networked combat ecosystem.

The combination of F-35 stealth fighters, AI-enabled targeting, loyal wingman drones and space-based command structures signals a shift toward multi-domain warfare capability.

If implemented successfully, these programmes could give Greece faster decision-making cycles, stronger regional deterrence and greater operational depth across the Eastern Mediterranean.

Source: DefenceTurk