A Greek parliamentary committee has approved a defense package worth about $4.6 billion, including the upgrade of 38 F-16 fighter jets and the acquisition of a new air and missile defense system.
The largest portion of the funding — around €3 billion — is allocated to a multi-layer air defense network designed to counter threats such as aircraft, drones and missiles. The remaining €1 billion will be used to modernize older F-16 Block 50 jets.
The upgrade will bring these aircraft to the F-16V “Viper” standard, aligning them with newer variants already in service with the Hellenic Air Force. Greece has a fleet of roughly 150 F-16s and has already upgraded about 40 jets to the same configuration.
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Once completed, the program is expected to significantly increase the number of Viper-standard fighters in the fleet, improving interoperability and operational capability.
The approval comes as Greece continues a long-term effort to modernize its armed forces after years of constrained spending during its debt crisis. The country plans to invest about €28 billion in defense through 2036.
In parallel, the committee also cleared additional programs, including upgrades to four MEKO 200 frigates and a support agreement for C-27J military transport aircraft.
Greece’s air force modernization plans also include the acquisition of fifth-generation fighters. In 2024, the country signed a deal to purchase 20 Lockheed Martin F-35A jets, with an option for 20 more, following other European countries that have selected the stealth fighter.
The aircraft are set to replace older platforms such as the F-4E Phantom II and Mirage 2000 and will operate alongside upgraded F-16V fighters, expanding interoperability with NATO allies.