One pilot dead, another missing after Greek fighter jet crashes in Ionian Sea

·

One of the two pilots aboard the Hellenic Air Force’s F-4 “Phantom” fighter jet that crashed in the Ionian Sea on Monday has been found dead. He was 29 years old.

According to AMNA.gr, the search continues for the plane’s 31-year-old Flight Lieutenant pilot.

The two-seater fighter jet of the 338 Squadron of the 117 Combat Wing was carrying out a training flight when it crashed into the sea 25 miles south of the Andravida airport on Monday morning.

Two Hellenic Air Force AB-205 helicopters, one Hellenic Navy S-70 helicopter and several Coast Guard vessels immediately launched a search operation.

Later on Monday, Greece’s National Defence Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos announced a three-day period of mourning in the country’s armed forces.

“While the search for the Flight Lieutenant continues, we express our sadness and grief at the loss of the co-pilot after the fighter jet crashed during a training activity in Andravida,” Panagiotopoulos said.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the Flying Officer, to whom we express our sympathy and sincere condolences.”

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias also expressed their condolences in separate statements. Main opposition party SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance and its leader, Alexis Tsipras, also offered condolences.

In his statement on Twitter, Greece’s Prime Minister said: “Our homeland will never forget him.”

“It is a tragic accident that happened in the line of duty and under extremely demanding training conditions,” Mitsotakis added.

“It brings grief to the whole Hellenic Air Force and reminds us all how tough and dangerous the battle our pilots give every day to defend our homeland’s skies.”

Source: AMNA.gr.

READ MORE: First two upgraded F-16 Viper fighter jets arrive in Greece.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Earlwood’s Greek spirit centre stage as ‘Plateia’ Festival secures state funding

The City of Canterbury Bankstown will host the “Love Earlwood” festival thanks to the NSW Government’s Open Streets 2025-28 Program.

Greek Consul General honoured at Hellenic Club farewell event in Sydney

Sydney’s Greek community came together on Thursday for a dignified farewell dinner in honour of Greece’s Consul General, Ioannis Mallikourtis

Field of candidates announced for 2025 Greek Community of Melbourne Board election

Greek Community of Melbourne has officially called elections for a new Board of Directors, with members set to head to the polls on June 29.

Australia Cup 2025: Strong Greek heritage club presence as Final 32 locked in

The cast for the Hahn Australia Cup 2025 Round of 32 has been decided following the completion of the Preliminary Rounds.

Apostolakis and Trimis named on Young Matildas squad for upcoming training camp

CommBank Young Matildas Head Coach Alex Epakis has settled on a 32-player squad for a domestic training camp to be held in Sydney.

You May Also Like

National Greek Tourism Organisation to open office at The Greek Centre in Melbourne

National Greek Tourism Organisation has confirmed it will open office at The Greek Centre in Melbourne, Victoria.

Two stolen ancient Greek vases returned to Greece from Switzerland

Two marble vases that once marked ancient Athenians' graves over 2,000 years ago have been returned to Greece from Switzerland.

Melbourne twins Gillianne Gogas and Nicole Patrikakos birth sons on the same day

Identical twins, Gillianne Gogas and Nicole Patrikakos, birthed baby boys on the same day at Epworth Freemasons hospital in Melbourne.