Aviation News, July 17, 2025 – Work has officially begun at Andravida Air Base to prepare for the arrival of Greece’s first F-35 stealth fighters, expected by 2030. The 117th Combat Wing is undergoing a €300 million upgrade to meet NATO standards, including new facilities, reinforced shelters, advanced surveillance systems, fiber optics, and control tower reconstruction. The plan, developed in coordination with the U.S. Air Force, includes phased construction and strict certification requirements.
Greek personnel will soon be deployed to the U.S., joining the Joint Program Office in Virginia, followed by selected pilots and technicians undergoing F-35 training. These officers will form the core of Greece’s first stealth squadron. Production of the Greek F-35s begins with Lot 20, with first deliveries anticipated in late 2028.
The transition also marks the retirement of the legendary F-4E Phantom, closing a historic chapter in HAF history as the force enters the 5th-generation fighter era.
Image: Facebook Hellenic Air Force
