Defence Redefined

Published on 09/10/2020 at 15:11

The Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Lieutenant General George Blioumis, was in Mont De Marchand, western France where, in the framework of the multinational air exercise VOLFA 2020, he had the opportunity to fly in a Rafale fighter jet and learn about the capabilities of the aircraft.

The Chief attended and monitored the multinational air exercise VOLFA 20 at Mont de Marsan in western France and, as part of it, he had the opportunity to fly in a Rafale fighter jet and learn about the capabilities of the aircraft. The latter executed air combat, low-altitude flying and attack of ground and surface targets scenarios.

The Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff had the opportunity to see in practice (in simulation) the weapons that the French fighter can carry. He then visited the manufacturer Dassault’s headquarters and the flight simulator of Rafale. He also spoke with the crew, Greek and foreign, who participated in the exercise.

The secrets of Rafale on an operational level and many details that have been found during the exercise will be conveyed by the highly experienced pilots and technicians of the 347th “Perseus” Squadron who were in France to take part in the “VOLFA 20” exercise.

The reports of the pilots and technicians are of interest to the Air Force Staff. The latter will single out the valuable information regarding the 4.5 generation fighter that the Hellenic Air Force is about to receive.

The experience of the pilots of the “Perseus” Squadron is unique in the Hellenic Air Force as it is the special unit of night air strike. The pilots, after a very hard and consistent training, learn to take full advantage of the capabilities of the F-16 Block 50 fighter featuring the “Lantirn” system, which is a power multiplier in complete darkness.

The crew of the 347th Squadron is ready for battle and certified for the most demanding air operation, that of the night flight with the Lantirn. Such operation entails very low navigation, exploitation of the terrain, which brings the skillful aviators and technicians of “Perseus” to the elite of NATO executives.

The large-scale training exercise at the 118th French air base in Mont de Marsan involved 40 aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters and unmanned aircraft from Greece, France and Spain, while the Hellenic Air Force participated with four F-16 aircraft of the 347th Squadron of the 111th Battle Wing.

With information from: Kathimerini / Eleftheros Typos

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