Greece is investing billions in modern fighter jets and air force modernization, but at the same time it faces another problem – pilots and specialists whose training requires years and significant funds are leaving the service.
Briefly about the main thing
- leaves the Air Force 27 year old pilotborn in 1999;
- resignations were also accepted with him seven officers various specialties;
- previously left the service two experienced Rafale electronic systems specialists;
- both received specialized training in Dassault and have worked with Rafales from the early stages of their operation in Greece;
- Among the reasons for layoffs, the media cite low incomes, rising costs of living, professional burnout and heavy daily workload;
- The Ministry of Defense is simultaneously increasing recruitment and changing the salary system, trying to retain and replace personnel.
27-year-old pilot leaves early
According to Pronews According to Armyvoice, a young Air Force officer with the rank of second lieutenant, born in 1999, resigned before completing his required period of mandatory service.
In the same administrative procedure, applications were also accepted seven air force officers. Among them are aviation infrastructure engineers and technical support specialists.
The departure of one pilot in itself does not create a personnel crisis. But this case occurs against the backdrop of a series of layoffs of specialists in various fields, which has been going on for several months.
Specialists trained in France are leaving Rafale
The situation with the technical personnel of modern fighter aircraft is of particular concern. Rafale.
According to Armyvoicetwo experienced Rafale electronic systems specialists who were trained by the company left the service Dassault and participated in the technical support of the aircraft almost from the moment they arrived in Greece.
This is not just about two vacant positions. Preparing a specialist who has a thorough knowledge of the complex electronics of a modern combat aircraft requires lengthy training and practical work.
That is why it is impossible to replace such a person by simply transferring an employee from another department.
In Tanagra, not only planes are counted, but also kilometers
According to Armyvoice, one of the reasons for the dismissal of Rafale specialists was the daily reality of service at the airbase tanager.
For military personnel living in Athens, this means daily commutes of considerable distance, fuel and toll costs, and several extra hours in the car.
Given the rising cost of living, even working with one of the most modern aviation systems in Europe does not always compensate a person for the costs and workload that arise in everyday life.
It’s not just Rafale specialists who are leaving
The series of layoffs affects a much wider range of specialties.
Armyvoice counted in three recent publications 21 dismissals Air Force military and civilian personnel. Among those leaving are aircraft technicians, electronics engineers, engineers, composite materials specialists, electricians and meteorologists.
Separately, dismissals of young technical officers born in 1991 and 1992 were reported – that is, specialists who were only about 34-35 years old and who were far from the usual age for ending their professional careers.
The Ministry of Defense is trying to stop the outflow
The personnel problem has already reached parliament. The Ministry of National Defense officially responded to requests from deputies about “an alarming record of military discharges” and declining interest among young people in a military career.
As part of the reforms, the Ministry of Defense is increasing enrollment in military educational institutions, recruiting professional military personnel and changing the pay system.
The official response from the ministry also explicitly states that additional recruitment is necessary to fill vacancies arising including due to personnel leaving the Armed Forces.
You can buy an airplane faster than train a person
Greece has significantly modernized its air force in recent years. The aviation included 24 Rafalethe upgrade of the F-16 to Viper standard continues, and the next big step should be the integration of the F-35.
But a modern combat aircraft is not only about the pilot. Behind each flight there are dozens of technical specialists: mechanics, electronics engineers, engineers, weapons and ground support specialists.
And if an aircraft can be purchased under a contract, then an experienced engineer or technician cannot be ordered along with it. It takes years to train such people.
Rafale F3R as part of the Greek Air Force. Official video of Πολεμική Αεροπορία HAF.
Editorial commentary from the Athens News. Greece is investing heavily in the Rafale, F-16 Viper, future F-35 and new military infrastructure. But the capabilities of any modern army ultimately depend not only on the number of aircraft. If the state is unable to retain pilots, engineers and technicians, even the most expensive equipment gradually becomes a problem of maintenance, training and combat readiness.
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