Today, Friday, Greece began operations at a brand-new international experimental training facility that was built in collaboration with Israel, hoping to gain an advantage from its air force, which is considerably stronger than Turkey, its regional rival.
The Israeli company “El Pet” for military industries, which last year, concluded a $ 1. 65 billion deal with the Greek government, in the management of the facility located at an air base outside the city of Callamada in southern Greece.
In an effort to surpass Turkey, Greece has implemented an updating program for the armed forces that places a strong emphasis on its airspace. Athens has purchased the cutting-edge French Rafale aircraft, is updating its aging F-16 fighter fleet, and wants to participate in the American F-35 program.
Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S400 air defence system resulted in its exclusion from the “F-35” program.
NATO allies Greece and Turkey continue to disagree over the maritime borders and the military presence on the Eastern Greek islands, which Ankara views as a breach of international agreements.
On Friday, 14 of the 25 T-6 aircraft at the new training facility took off with just one engine. The fleet will be increased with the arrival of 19 M-346 training aircraft the following year. This Italian-built aircraft is outfitted with virtual flight electronics that replicate combat and flight situations.
Despite being formally inaugurated today, the aircraft school won’t operate at full capacity until early 2024, according to Epiting officials.
According to Megor General George Vaginas, head of the Greek Air Force Training Command, the M-346 aircraft will only deliver 3500 flying hours a year compared to the T-6’s 7,000.
“These facilities will prepare a combat swarm of the generation of combat aircraft that the Air Force has recently acquired. It will serve as the primary defence system against threats.
originating from our eastern neighbour.
With an eye on Turkey, Greece establishes a flight school that was developed by Israel.
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