Greece decides to upgrade F-16s

The Minister of National Defense informed the Council that the US side has in principle accepted the revised Greek proposal, which takes into account the country’s fiscal commitments in the coming years. After that, the Council unanimously approved the implementation of the 85 aircraft upgrading program.

According to information, the cost of the Viper program will reach $1.5 billion.

F-16V or Viper is the latest variant of the F-16 Fighting Falcon fourth generation, multi-role, fighter aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The Viper integrates advanced capabilities as part of an upgrade package to better interoperate with fifth-generation fighters, including the F-35 and the F-22.

The F-16V fighter jet can be deployed in suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) missions, air-to-ground and air-to-air combat, and deep interdiction and maritime interdiction missions.

The aircraft features airborne mission role-change capability, and can detect and track time-critical hard-to-find targets in all weather conditions. It also reduces operational costs for the users.

The AESA radar aboard the aircraft enables all-weather targeting, and offers high-resolution detection and imaging of land-based targets. The phased array radar allows the simultaneous application of air-to-air and air-to-surface modes.

The onboard Sniper advanced targeting pod (ATP) offers high air-to-surface and air-to-air targeting capability to the F-16V. It supports the launch of all laser-guided and GPS-guided weapons against multiple stationary and moving targets. The aircraft can be integrated with FLIR/laser system, and reconnaissance and navigation pods.

The Viper fighter is equipped with upgraded electronic warfare equipment and modern threat warning systems, including jammers, threat warning receivers, electronic countermeasures equipment pods, as well as chaff and infrared flare dispensers to defend the most dangerous threats in complex battlefield scenarios.