History of the Hellenic Air Force

The first Greek aviator was Emmanuel Argyropoulos who flew in a privately owned Nieuport 4G nicknamed Alkion on 8 February 1912.

In June Kamberos flew a Farman HF.III nicknamed Daedalos that had been converted into a seaplane setting the foundations of the Naval Aviation.

In 1946 Greek manned RAF squadrons were converted into the Royal Hellenic Air Force, that operated a variety of plane types, mainly British.

The introduction of the Curtiss Helldiver dive-bomber and the napalm bombs allowed to attack the communist troops and made possible victory in 1949.

In 1988 the first 3rd generation fighters were introduced, marking the beginning of a new era: The first Mirage 2000 EG/BG aircraft were delivered to the 114th Combat Wing and equipped the 331 and 332 squadrons.

The new aircraft, equipped with the LANTIRN navigation and targeting pod as well as AIM-120 AMRAAM and AGM-88 HARM missiles, were allocated to the 341 and 347 squadrons.

This advanced F-16 type is an improved version of the Block 50 featuring a more powerful radar, better communications systems and an upgraded engine.

Mock dogfights are so usual now that are listed in the "daily activities" section of the official website of Turkey's chief of general staff.

The Farman HF.III was the first military airplane of Greece
The PZL P-24 was the main Greek fighter in the Greco-Italian War