Greek F-16 fleet to receive Israeli Rampage missiles and SPICE precision weapons
by Athens Bureau · Greek City TimesThe Hellenic Air Force is expected to significantly boost its strike capabilities by the end of 2026, with the delivery of Israeli-made Rampage missiles and SPICE precision-guidance systems for its F-16 fighter fleet moving into the final certification phase.
According to Kathimerini, the last major step before the weapons enter operational service is the issuance of a Greek airworthiness certificate. The certification process is expected to begin in September following the completion of studies by the National Military Airworthiness Authority (ESAA).
Once approved, the new weapons will be integrated into Greece’s F-16 fleet, with the upgraded F-16 Viper aircraft expected to make full use of their advanced capabilities.
Rampage missiles extend Greece’s strike reach
The Rampage is a supersonic stand-off air-to-ground missile designed to destroy high-value targets while allowing aircraft to remain outside the range of enemy air defence systems.
With a range of more than 250 kilometres, an F-16 can carry up to four Rampage missiles, giving the Hellenic Air Force the ability to strike strategic targets from a safe distance. The missile is also designed to suppress enemy air defences, making it a valuable asset during the opening stages of any conflict.
Israeli forces have reportedly used Rampage missiles against Iranian air defence systems during recent military operations, demonstrating the weapon’s operational effectiveness.
SPICE kits transform existing bombs into precision weapons
Alongside Rampage, Greece will receive approximately 300 Israeli SPICE guidance kits. These systems convert existing Mk-83 (1,000-pound) and Mk-84 (2,000-pound) unguided bombs already in the Hellenic Air Force inventory into highly accurate, long-range precision-guided munitions.
The addition of SPICE kits will provide Greek fighter aircraft with greater flexibility, improved accuracy and increased stand-off attack capability without the need to purchase entirely new bomb stocks.
Block 50 upgrade also moving forward
Separately, Greece is expected to receive the United States’ Letter of Acceptance in September for the planned upgrade of 38 F-16 Block 50 aircraft.
The modernisation program, estimated to cost around €1 billion, will be followed by final negotiations with Washington.
Once completed, the project will increase the Hellenic Air Force’s fleet of F-16 Viper-standard aircraft to 120, further strengthening Greece’s air combat capabilities.
Earlier this month, the Air Force accepted its 55th and 56th upgraded F-16 Vipers under the current modernisation program, marking another milestone in the transformation of Greece’s fighter fleet into one of the most advanced in the region.
Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on Google News and Apple News.