U.S. Navy's plans dashed as Greek F‑16 sales fall through
The United States intended to purchase several dozen F-16 fighters from Greece. Contrary to media reports, these planes were not destined for Ukraine; their planned use was entirely different.
In March this year, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias officially announced that the sale of older F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighters is planned as part of "the largest reform program in the history of the modern Greek state." In July, sources, including Al Jazeera, reported that the United States would purchase F-16 fighters from Greece and then transfer them to Ukraine. However, that scenario did not come to fruition.
Greek F-16s not for Ukraine
A press release from Fighter Squadron Composite 13 (VFC-13) revealed that the Greek F-16 fighters were considered for use by the US Navy during exercises, playing the role of "aggressors." However, the negotiations fell through, and these tasks were carried out by F-16 fighters retired from service in the US military.
Due to problems with supplies from Greece, the US Air Force's decision to retire over 30 F-16 aircraft, each with 2,000 to 3,000 flight hours, was leveraged. This resulted in a successful deal to transfer 30 aircraft, with 12 designated for VFC-13, according to Traver Fordham, Executive Director of VFC-13, as reported by the Alert5 portal.
After the retirement of outdated F/A-18s, VFC-13 had only 12 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet units at their disposal. Acquiring used F-16s was an urgent need.
What F-16s did Greece retire?
Greece retired over 30 F-16 fighters in the F-16C (single-seat) and F-16D (two-seat) versions. These aircraft were acquired in the late 1980s and modernized in the second half of the 1990s, extending their lifespan from 4,000 to 8,000 flight hours.
They can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 (over 1,200 mph) and can operate at an altitude of up to 49,000 feet. They measure almost 49 feet in length, and their takeoff weight is nearly 37,000 pounds. The armament they carry can weigh up to 15,400 pounds and includes AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, Python-4, AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-88 HARM, and Penguin missiles, as well as bombs. As standard, the manufacturer installed a 20 mm six-barrel cannon.
