The Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, following the acceptance of two upgraded F16 Viper fighters by the Hellenic Air Force, delivered the following address:

“Today is another very important day for the Hellenic Air Force and the Armed Forces since here, at the Hellenic Aerospace Industry facilities in Tanagra, in the presence of the Finance and Development Ministers (who also contributed to ensure the best possible work conditions at the Hellenic Aerospace Industry, in cooperation of course with the Ministry of National Defence), as well as of the entire Military Leadership, took place the delivery ceremony of the first two F-16 “Viper” aircraft, the most modern F-16 aircraft at this moment worldwide, from the Hellenic Aerospace Industry to the Hellenic Air Force.

It has been proven that the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) has the potential to perform productive work for the Armed Forces. The challenge is to find a way to ensure the conditions for this work to continue and increase; in any case, the first two of the 83 “Viper” aircraft in total that will be delivered to the Hellenic Air Force will make it even stronger.

It is an aircraft with huge potential, especially regarding its electronic means and it will increase its overall power even more.

So, today is another milestone to the total effort we make systematically and methodically for some years now, to fully upgrade the Armed Forces’ capabilities. We should increase their deterrent power having a positive outcome with regard to the defence of the country’s sovereign rights, as well as of their role as a strong and reliable partner, who provides stability and Security in the wider area.

Congratulations to all those who contributed to this program. Of course congratulations to the Hellenic Aerospace Industry employees, and to the Hellenic Air Force members. We have just had the pleasure to congratulate the first two pilots of the first two “Viper” aircraft. A special reference should also be made to “Lockheed Martin” which, through its representatives, assisted to the development and completion of this program.

Now, we will have a steady flow of aircraft delivered to the Hellenic Air Force, until we reach 83 aircraft. This strategic relation between “Lockheed Martin” and the Hellenic Air Force, that reflects the strategic relation between Greece and the USA, was confirmed here today with the presence of the U.S. Ambassador in Greece who attends the ceremony.

So, we proceed to more, to even better, towards a full upgrade, in essence to the new era of the country’s Armed Forces”.