of my pilots are training for both missions and
must be able to employ all available weapons.
Admittedly, we have experts in various tasks
or weapons, but everybody must be able
to perform them all. The experts are the
contact persons for new tactics, information
and intelligence coming to the squadron.
That can come from our headquarters, but
also from the HAF Air Tactics School [Kéntro
Aeroporikís Taktikís, KEAT] that is also located
at Andravida. KEAT includes experienced
pilots from all of the air force’s fighter types.”Far from obsolete
Lt Col Alexandros recognises the Phantom’s
veteran status, but emphasised its
modern systems and weapons: “The AUP
upgrade [Avionics Upgrade Programme]
delivered outstanding mission systems and
weapons comparable to our F-16s.”
The AUP was part of the Peace Icarus 2000
(PI 2000) programme. Between 1999 and 2005,
a total of 36 F-4s were subject to this extensive
modification programme that transformed them
into the world’s most advanced Phantoms. PI
2000 was a joint venture between Germany’s
Daimler-Benz Aerospace (later EADS) and
Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) and was
based on the Improved Combat Efficiency (ICE)
modifications conducted on the Luftwaffe F-4Fs.
The upgrade package included the Hughes
(now Raytheon) AN/APG-65Y radar, GEC digital
air data computer, Elbit Systems fire-control
computer, Mil Std 1553 databus, Honeywell
H-764-G inertial navigation system (INS)/GPS,
Hazeltine (now BAE Systems) AN/APX-113(V)
identification friend or foe (IFF) system, Litton
AN/ALR-68(V)2 radar warning receiver, colour
multifunctional displays, new head-up display,
hands on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls,
video recording and data transfer systems.
The Rafael Litening II laser targeting pod was
added under PI 2000 for day/night precision
targeting and limited reconnaissance. Weapons
now include laser-guided bombs, AGM-65
Maverick air-to-ground missiles, unguided
bombs, the Autonomous Free-flight Dispenser
System (AFDS), AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9
Sidewinder. Although it was originally planned to
integrate the IRIS-T air-to-air missile to replace
the Sidewinder, this weapon was not integrated.
Alongside the AUP modifications, HAI put
the aircraft through a service-life extension
programme (SLEP), adding thousands of
flying hours to each airframe. During the
SLEP, the engines were made smokeless.Above: A portion of the F-4E fl eet is equipped with the DIAS electronic defence system. Its four antennas
are located around the tail, both engine intakes and under the nose. Serial 71755 – another former 339
Mira jet – does not have it. Right: An ‘Ares’ Phantom crew poses for the photographer before strapping in
for a mission. The back-seater serves as the ‘brains’ of the tactical formation, providing regular situational
awareness updates to other jets. Below: A Greek Phantom demonstrates its brute power under the
35,800lb of thrust provided by the twin General Electric J79s. Despite its challenging fl ight characteristics,
the F-4 benefi ts from reliability – particularly in regard to the engines. Katsuhiko Tokunaga96 // DECEMBER 2018 #369 http://www.airforcesmonthly.comGreece’s last F-4s