Greece remains the only European nation to have opted for the F-16 Viper upgrade, which includes advanced avionics and weapons systems. The $997 million agreement, signed in December 2018, covers the upgrade of 84 late-production F-16s from the Block 52, Block 52+, and Block 52 Advanced series, originally delivered between 2002 and 2010.
The majority of the upgrade work is being conducted domestically at Hellenic Aerospace Industry facilities in Greece. The first two upgraded aircraft were delivered to the Hellenic Air Force in September 2022, marking a significant milestone in the programme.
According to Lockheed Martin, the F-16 Viper configuration includes upgrades such as a modified Digital Flight Control Computer that provides Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System and Pilot Activated Recovery System capabilities. Other major system upgrades include the APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, Modular Mission Computer (MMC-7000AH), Advanced Data Transfer Equipment, Center Pedestal Displays, APX-126 Advanced Identify Friend or Foe with Mode 5 capability, Embedded Global Positioning System /Inertial Navigation System, SNIPER provisions, PaveWay II interfaces and updated Link-16 capability.
The modernisation of the F-16 fleet is expected to play a key role in strengthening Greece’s air combat capabilities. This effort complements the recent acquisition of 24 Dassault Rafale F3R multi-role fighters and the procurement of 20 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II jets.
Speculation persists that Greece may expand the F-16 modernisation programme to include an additional 38 aircraft from the Block 50 series, delivered in 1997–1998