The Rafale fighter jet equipped by the Greek Air Force. Recently, the 24th Rafale fighter jet purchased by the Greek Air Force was officially put into service at Tanagra Air Base, marking the delivery of all Rafale fighter jets ordered by Greece from France. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin announced that it has delivered the 30th modernized F-16V fighter jet to the Greek Air Force. The outside world believes that this move marks a significant upgrade of the Greek Air Force's fighter jet fleet. In recent years, Greece has continuously accelerated the modernization and upgrading of its weapons and equipment. In June 2024, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias proposed the "2030 Defense Development Agenda" to accelerate the process of military modernization in Greece. In terms of upgrading its fighter fleet, the Greek Air Force plans to gradually phase out existing old fighter jets by 2030. In addition to the 24 Rafale fighter jets and 30 F-16V fighter jets currently delivered, the Greek Air Force also plans to upgrade its existing 80 outdated F-16 fighter jets and equip 40 F-35 fighter jets. In July 2024, Greece signed the first batch of 20 F-35A fighter jet procurement contracts with the United States, worth $3.76 billion, including 4 simulators, 2 spare engines, and training costs for 16 pilots and technicians. The batch of fighter jets will begin delivery in 2028 and be fully delivered by 2033. The second batch of 20 F-35 fighter jets is planned to be procured after 2030 and delivered by 2040. At that time, 40 F-35 fighter jets will be assigned to two flight squadrons. After the delivery and service of the F-35A fighter jet, the Greek Air Force will form an air combat system centered around the F-35A fighter jet, supplemented by fighter jets such as the Rafale and F-16V. The establishment of this system will enhance the long-range strike and air defense interception capabilities of the Greek Air Force, and provide broader space for military cooperation between Greece and its NATO allies. Greece hopes to enhance its influence in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean region through this. According to the 2025 national budget approved by the Greek parliament at the end of 2024, the defense budget has increased to 6.1 billion euros (approximately 6.35 billion US dollars), almost twice the 3.5 billion euros in 2019. In addition to increasing investment in fighter jets, frigates, submarines, and intelligent weapons, Greece will also purchase the "Iron Dome" air defense system to resist drone and missile threats. (New Society)