Greece Air Force Impressed in India

The best impressions were left by Greece, who took part in the multinational exercise “Tarang Shakti 24” in , while the participation of our aviation in the exercise is undoubtedly its leading educational activity outside Greece this year. Not only because the Air Force fighters flew at a distance of 3,000 km from their base to India, but mainly because they proved against powerful air forces that they were at the top level, with the Greek flying dominating, putting their “seal” on all the air combat scenarios they participated in. The “olds” of 336 War Squadron “OLYMPO” gave operational power credentials recording outstanding results on the field with an impressive number of “kills”, but also with excellent tactical performance. Against the Su-30s and the Mig-29s of the Indian Air Force, as well as the other Allied fighters, they proved that it is not accidental that, especially in air to air “fighting” – let alone in “closed engagements” where the flying’s ability plays a decisive role – they are considered to be top-notch. After all, the planes of the 336 War Squadron and in the past have given similar credentials, culminating in “Blue Flag 21”, when against Israeli pilots recorded the impressive 17/19 stealing impressions and substance. Of particular importance is the fact that Greek flyers and technicians found themselves in an unknown area and under extremely adverse weather, as it prevailed almost every day very high humidity and unprecedented rainfall. They immediately managed to adapt and respond to all missions without the slightest problem, unlike other foreign missions. For three weeks the 336 AM fighters took off daily, with the flying men at the center and the technicians preparing the four fighters for the next mission. — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) Indeed, on an Air Force Base without infrastructure for F-16 fighters, as the Indians have from the western arsenal only Rafale, as they have been relying on eastern aircraft for many decades. In almost all scenarios HAF fighters had an attacking role. In practice they were a nightmare for Indian flying, for which aerial battles with Greek flying were a simulation of extremely high operational importance. Let alone because there is no room for comparison with Pakistani pilots, who also fly with F-16 fighters. However, the effectiveness of the “old age” of 336 against the rest of the air carriers involved in “Tarang Shakti 24” was impressive. The F-16s returned to Greece the same way they arrived in India, having left outstanding impressions. By double relocation to friendly Gulf countries, such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, in order to refuel the aircraft and rest the crews. The Air Force has already set very strong bases for further cooperation with Indian Air Force despite the 3,000 km that separates the two states. And overall the Greek Armed Forces are building a partnership with a very powerful country with a global footprint. In the next period we are expected to see partnerships with India at every level. Characteristic is the co-education PASSEX in the Eastern Mediterranean of the Navy frigate “AEGEAN” with the Indian “TABAR”. By Kostas Sarika / Source: onalert.gr