F-16 Fighting Falcon News

February 19, 1998 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Pilots of Greece's Hellenic Air Force have completed a series of 30 evaluation flights in the F-16 at Nea Anchilos Air Base in Greece. The evaluation was conducted over a 15-day period that began on February 2. The Hellenic Air Force has ordered a total of 80 F-16 aircraft under two previous purchases and is presently evaluating candidate aircraft types for another purchase of fighters expected to be placed later this year.
The evaluation flights, conducted with two-seat versions of the F-16, examined the newest capabilities and systems available on the aircraft. The flights included air-to-air missions and simulated missile launches, demonstrating the F-16's capability to defend Greek airspace. Some of the flights were conducted with night vision goggles and infrared equipment, demonstrating the F-16's capability to conduct low altitude operations safely at night. Other flights demonstrated the F-16's long range for air-to-ground missions.

Test pilots from Lockheed Martin, flew with HAF pilots during the evaluation. U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns visited Nea Anchilos Air Base during the flight evaluation and expressed U.S. government support for Greece's consideration of U.S. -built fighters. He emphasized the benefits of continuing the long-standing cooperation that has existed between the United States Air Force and the Hellenic Air Force.

Greece is currently taking delivery of 40 F-16s that were ordered earlier in the 1990s. Greece's air force is receiving the newest version of the F-16, the "block 50", which is the most advanced operational fighter in the world today.