Greece launches operations at new Israeli built pilot training facility

·

In an effort to increase its relative air force advantage over regional foe Turkey, Greece has begun operations at a brand-new international pilot training facility that was jointly developed by Israel and Greece.

Elbit, an Israeli defence contractor, will assist in managing the facility, which is situated on an air force base outside of the southern Greek city of Kalamata. The Israel defence contractor and the Greek government reached a $1.65 billion agreement last year.

The new training centre started operating on Friday with 14 of an expected 25 T-6 single-engine turboprop aircraft.

Greek air force maintenance stuff parks a T-6 single-engine turboprop training aircraft at an airbase outside the southern Greek city of Kalamata, Greece, on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022. Photo: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris

The fleet is set to expand next year with the delivery of 19 Italian-built M-346 training jets equipped with embedded virtual avionics that simulate combat and flight scenarios.

In an effort to surpass Turkey, Greece is modernising its military, with a strong emphasis on its air force, Athens is updating its ageing F-16 fighter jet fleet, purchasing modern French-built Rafale fighters, and aspiring to join the American F-35 jet programme.

Greece and Turkey, both NATO members, continue to disagree over maritime boundaries and Turkey’s claim that Greece’s military presence on islands in the east of its territory breaches international law.

Source: AP News

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Royal Melbourne Hospital staff sing ‘I’ll Stand by You’ in tribute to healthcare workers

More than 400 Royal Melbourne Hospital Staff came together to release a touching version of The Pretenders hit I’ll Stand By You.

Spiros Vasilakis outraged as COVID-19 hotel quarantine case dropped in Victoria

Spiros Vasilakis is outraged after all charges against Victoria's Department of Health were dropped after the state's hotel quarantine program

Bushfire fundraising continues with Australian Byzantine Choir initiative

On Sunday, February 2nd at 7pm, St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Marrickville was filled with harmonious, traditional hymns to raise money for the Archdiocese Bushfire Relief...