Where will Greece’s F-35s come to roost

From ancient times, the creation of military facilities was required to respond to the data of each specific era. But also of the enemy that each force had to face.

The dispersion of facilities is directly related to the nature and specifics of each platform , as well as the various weapon systems available to it.

In today’s conditions the concept of dispersion has changed, but not abolished.

As retired officers noted, speaking to “NEA” newspaper about the Air Force bases and their selection, their design is directly linked to the size, capabilities and threats that each country is potentially facing.

In Greece, the areas have been clearly chosen, taking into account that the main threat comes from Turkey. In this context it would be illogical for the Air Force airfields to be on the islands opposite the Turkish coast.

The criteria for the choices of the allocation of Combat Wings as noted are capacity, homogeneity, but also expertise.

Each Air Force Fighter Wing must have the necessary infrastructure for the platforms it hosts and the weapons it uses.

The same sources emphasized that the technical infrastructure related to their safekeeping and maintenance is just as important, although not as glamorous as the platforms themselves and requires specific expertise and spaces.

While they emphasized that the number of aircraft available to Greece and the infrastructure required would never allow their concentration on one base, since it would not be able to cope with the different requirements of each type of aircraft or helicopter.

Because even when we talk about the ubiquitous F-16, depending on the type there are differences in needs. Dispersion also contributes to protection.

With some information, however, noting that during the acquisition of the Rafale the French allegedly advised Athens that it might be a good idea not to concentrate them exclusively on the 114th Fighter Wing at Tanagra. Similar proposals have been made by the Americans, in the context of the F-35 consultations.

Beyond known Combat Wings, however, there are specific secret deployment plans that are activated in case of need.

Information about upcoming threats also plays an important role in their activation, both in terms of an external enemy, and the assessment of risk from foreseeable natural disasters.

The activation of such safety protocols concerning the dispersion – for precautionary reasons – also required the take-off of a certain number of F-16s in the event of the fire in Nea Aghialo even if the explosion in the warehouse belonging to the 111th Fighter Wing, about 7 km away from the airport, did not threaten the fighters.

High resistance shelters

Even the limited destruction at the 111st Fighter Wing ammo depot, while Athens is waiting for the LoA for the acquisition of the F-35, and is proceeding with the acquisition of the Rafales brings back the debate about infrastructure and its importance.

Since these are projects that are absolutely necessary to multi-billion-dollar platforms and even if they are not as glamorous as the acquisition of state-of-the-art fighters, they are of extremely high importance, for their security, maintenance and life cycle.

The correct construction of the shelters with significant resistance even to attacks by drones, but also of the warehouses where the weapons of each platform are kept are critical. With their strong armor necessary to make their neutralization difficult, maybe even impossible.

In the case of the F-35, Lockheed Martin has strict infrastructure construction protocols, providing, as noted by competent sources of the manufacturing company, even non-delivery if they are not adhered to. Infrastructure that requires proper investment and prioritization.

Nests for the F-35

Andravida and the 117th Fighter Wing – according to the highest sources of National Defense General Staff – has been earmarked to become the “nest” of the F-35.

And while the LoA (letter of acceptance) from the USA for their acquisition has not yet reached Athens, even before the elections the question of the Security of Supply and Information (SSI) agreement concerning the facilities has come up, totaling an estimated additional 600 million euros has stirred up controversy.

The question is whether the money should be paid to Lockheed Martin and returned as infrastructure to Greece, or whether the Hellenic Air Force has the choice of proceeding with the required actions and at a much lower cost. With the issue ending with the intervention of the head of the General Staff, General Constantinos Floros, who was in favor of their construction by the Air Force, following the recommendations of the General Directorate.

With the question of the infrastructure, security and maintenance of each platform, however, returning from time to time and being one of the perennial problems of the Armed Forces.