Greece has unveiled three newly received Austrian-made Diamond DA62 MPP surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, the first in the country’s history to be owned and operated directly by the Fire Service.
Until now, despite their firefighting role, all aerial firefighting operations have been conducted by the Hellenic Air Force. The three aircraft cost €23,336,000, and the procurement agreement was signed in April 2024.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the moment as historic during the inauguration ceremony, highlighting the upgrade program for Civil Protection aerial assets, funded by the Recovery Fund.
“As the fight against the climate crisis becomes more difficult, we must constantly upgrade the tools at our disposal,” he said.
Mitsotakis stated that the new aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art optical systems and cameras that allow for improved monitoring and prevention of fires.
He also pointed out that the flight cost is significantly lower and that the aircraft are suitable for border-surveillance missions as well.