Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis Visits 111th Combat Wing: Talks with Pilots and an Invitation to Fly in an F-16

The seasoned 111th Combat Wing in Magnesia, where Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis served 33 years ago at the 346th Squadron, was visited by the leader on Thursday morning (05.06.2025). From the military airport in Nea Anchialos, where combat aircraft take off for Aegean patrol and deterrence missions, Mitsotakis was welcomed by the Chief of the Hellenic Air Force, Vice Wing Commander Demosthenes Gregoriadis, who once served there as a junior officer along with other squadron leaders. The Prime Minister enjoyed coffee and engaged in discussions with the fighter pilots, including one of the three women flying F-16s in the Hellenic Air Force. He emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening and modernizing the Armed Forces by 2030, which he described as a crucial component of national efforts for a strong Greece capable of meeting heightened security demands in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. He also mentioned the recent acquisition of the third Belharra frigate and ongoing negotiations for a fourth with 25% Greek industrial participation. Mitsotakis highlighted the role of human resources in these efforts and referred to conscription as ‘life experience,’ aiming to make it more productive. Before continuing his tour of Magnesia, the Chief of the Hellenic Air Force invited him to fly from the same airbase in the near future, following in the footsteps of his father, Konstantinos Mitsotakis. Fighter handlers presented him with a watch bearing the squadron emblem. This isn’t Mitsotakis’ first visit to this familiar location since his military service in 1992–1993; he revisited Nea Anchialos before the 2019 elections and again in 2022. Finally, it’s worth noting that the 111th Combat Wing is home to the 330th, 341st, and 347th Squadrons operating F-16 Block 30 and Block 50 fighter jets.