Does the agreement establishing a strategic partnership for defense and security cooperation between France and Greece, signed in September 2021, fulfill all its promises? This agreement, which will need to be renewed in 2026, includes a mutual assistance clause in the event of an “armed aggression” against either party. It also aims to promote a common “strategic culture, ” interoperability between French and Greek forces, and industrial cooperation in weapons.
Since its ratification, this agreement has not only led to the participation of French forces in several joint exercises organized in Greece, such as Iniochos, Notos, and Olyco, but it has also significantly contributed to capacity building. This is evident from the orders placed by Athens in 2022 to acquire six additional Rafale fighter-bombers and three Defense and Intervention Frigates (FDI).
According to the Greek specialized magazine “Ptisi” (Flight), the assessment of this agreement, two years before its expiration, is rather disappointing. “More than the signature, it’s the implementation that matters. How many officers have we sent to France for training and gaining experience? And how many French have we welcomed? And how many major bilateral exercises have we organized? And how many war scenarios have we executed together? More generally, how have we strengthened our defense cooperation?” it wonders in a comment published on May 10.
Noting, in passing, that the geopolitical context has evolved since September 2021, Ptisi emphasizes that, ultimately, the most important thing is that France has openly committed to “defend Greece with weapons” if necessary, “without footnotes.”
This agreement provides the framework for discussions launched by Athens for a new Rafale order. The Greek Air Force intends to streamline its combat aircraft by retiring several models of fighter aircraft, such as the F-4 Phantom, the Mirage 2000-5, or even the F-16 Block 30. Consequently, it would retain only its Rafale and its F-16 upgraded to the Block 70 “Viper” standard, to which at least 20 F-35A fighter-bombers will be added.
Since the Mirage 2000-5 still has potential, the Greek General Staff is considering selling them (for which India is reportedly interested), but on the condition of obtaining up to 10 more Rafales, upgraded to the F4 standard in return. This is what the Greek specialized website Defence Review claims. According to its information, discussions with Dassault Aviation are at an “advanced level.” A delegation from the French manufacturer is expected to visit Athens soon for a “new round” of discussions.
The Hellenic Air Force General Staff has expressed the need to acquire 8 to 10 new aircraft to form another fighter squadron. Furthermore, it has explicitly and categorically stated to the Ministry of Defense leadership that this is a fundamental condition for withdrawing the Mirage 2000-5 to cover operational needs.
As a reminder, Greece has ordered 24 Rafales since 2020, including 12 in the F3R standard drawn from the Air & Space Army inventory.
