The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) is facing a difficult decision regarding the future of its aging Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets. These aircraft, once a critical part of Greece's air defense strategy, particularly in relation to regional rival Turkey, are now nearing the end of their operational lifespan.
Recent attempts to sell the aircraft to India and France have failed, forcing Greece to consider phasing them out due to increasing maintenance costs.
Greece's plan to sell its fleet of 25 Mirage 2000-5 aircraft has been unsuccessful. Initial interest from India and France did not materialize into firm offers.
India, which already operates an earlier version of the Mirage 2000, had considered the Greek -5 models as a temporary solution to address its dwindling number of fighter squadrons.
However, India has since prioritized its own domestic aircraft production, like the Tejas, and is exploring the acquisition of more modern aircraft, including the Lockheed Martin F-35 or additional Dassault Rafales. These developments have made the Greek offer less attractive.
France, where the Mirage 2000 was originally manufactured, also decided against purchasing the Greek aircraft. The French Air and Space Force has been replacing its Mirage 2000 fleet with the more advanced Rafale fighter.
Because France no longer operates the Mirage 2000-5 and the used aircraft market is well-supplied, there was little incentive for France to acquire Greece's jets. This leaves the HAF with aircraft it cannot easily sell or maintain.
The existing maintenance agreement for Greece's Mirage 2000-5s is set to expire in 2027. This contract, signed in 2019 with French companies Dassault Aviation, Safran, and Thales, and valued at €332 million (approximately $355 million USD), provides essential parts, repairs, and technical support to keep the planes flying.
However, the Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Lt. Gen. Theodoros Lagios, has indicated that a renewal of this contract is uncertain, as the French manufacturers are shifting all their focus tothe Rafale fighter jet.
With the option of selling the aircraft off the table, Greece must choose between extending the operational life of the Mirage 2000-5s or retiring them sooner.
Extending the service life would require renewing the maintenance contract, likely at a significantly increased cost. Industry experts suggest that maintaining the fleet without the original manufacturers' support could raise annual expenses by 30-40%, as Greece would need to find alternative suppliers or use parts from its older Mirage 2000 aircraft. This approach, however, would only provide a temporary solution.
Another option for Greece is to transition to a fleet entirely composed of Rafale fighters, similar to France's current strategy. This would involve purchasing an additional 12-18 Rafale aircraft, which would simplify maintenance and logistics and secure long-term support from Dassault.
However, this approach presents financial challenges. Greece's defense budget, already one of the highest in NATO at 3.8% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is under pressure due to other recent military purchases, including discussions with the U.S. about acquiring F-35s and upgrades to its navy.
To finance additional Rafales, Greece might need to explore options such as selling the Mirage 2000-5s for scrap value or using them for training purposes.
