Report and photos by Robin Polderman
On Thursday 9 January 2025, shortly after 1 PM, the final Greek Rafale F3R touched down at Tanagra airbase in Greece. This delivery completes the total order of 24 aircraft. The single-seat Rafale EG, tail number 457, will be absorbed in the 332 MPK (Mira Pantos Kerou – All Weather Squadron) stationed at the base.
This jet belonged to a second supplementary contract for six new-build aircraft, signed in March 2022, at a cost of 1.09 billion euros. The initial contract, signed in January 2021 for around 2.5 billion euros, stipulated the delivery of a dozen used aircraft from the French Air Force as well as six new-build aircraft. The first six Rafales from this order were delivered to Greece on 19 January 2022.
The total Hellenic order consisted of 18 single-seat Rafale EG aircraft as well as six two-seat Rafale DG. The final pair of two-seaters, tail numbers 443 and 444, touched down at Tanagra in November of 2024.
Greek officials are currently exploring the option of ordering an additional 12 Rafale aircraft.