F-16 Fighting Falcon News

April 7, 2003 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Greece received the first six of 60 F-16 Block 52+ from the United States at a ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas. The ceremony was attended by Greek Defense Minister Yannos Papantoniou. He said the delivery will be completed over the next year.
The six aircraft presented during the ceremony are expected to arrive later this month.

Greece will receive 40 singe-seat C models and 20 double-seat D models under the $2.5 bn Peace Xenia III Program.

Greece plans to deploy the advanced F-16s to protect the country's air space. The defense minister said Greece regards the protection of its air space over the Aegean Sea as a priority.

The block 52+ variant of the F-16 features conformal fuel tanks located on the upper part of the fuselage, increasing the internal fuel capacity by 3060 liters. The Hellenic Air Force will welcome the extra fuel capacity, as they do not have the ability to refuel in flight. The tanks extend the range of the multi-role fighter to more than 1,000 kilometers.

Lockheed Martin has tested CFTs on F-16s meant for Greece. One CFT was tested on the single seat C model and the other on the D model.

The two seat models can serve as both trainers and strike aircraft with the rear crewmember serving as the weapons operator.