US F-15 fighter jets arrive in Greece for exercise with HAF

In the framework of the bilateral Military Cooperation of Greece and the USA, following actions and cooperation of EUCOM and Greek General Staff, on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, the relocation of 12 F-15 fighter jets of USAFE and their support personnel to the 110th Combat Wing in Larissa was completed.

This relocation is carried out for the purpose of joint training of the Air Force (Hellenic Airforce) and USAFE under the name “EARLY BIRD”, and will be carried out until Friday, May 21, 2021 in parallel with their joint participation in the exercise “ASTRAL KNIGHT 21” is part of the multinational interdisciplinary exercise “DEFENDER EUROPE 21” and is carried out under the auspices of the USA in Europe.

In “EARLY BIRD” the Hellenic Airforce will participate with F-16, M-2000, F-4 fighter aircraft and with Airborne Early Warning & Control System (ASEPE) aircraft, while during this it is planned to carry out missions of complex air operations and protection – attack on land and sea targets.

The joint training, conducted under the updated Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA), is expected to help increase the level of operational readiness, combat capability and cooperation of the two participating forces, highlighting the important role of the two participating forces. countries in security and stability in the wider Mediterranean region and the Balkans.