Hellenic Air Force
Phantom II F4E
338 Squadron“ Ares”
338 Squadron“ Ares,” part of the Hellenic Air Force’ s 117 Combat Wing at Andravida Air Base, is the last Greek unit operating the legendary F‐4E Phantom II. Introduced to Greece in 1974 and later modernized under the F‐4E AUP( Avionics Upgrade Program), the Phantom remains a powerful multirole aircraft. The AUP upgrade— known as Peace Icarus 2000— equipped the jet with an APG‐65‐derived radar, mission computers, improved navigation
systems, and a modernized cockpit, making it one of the most advanced Phantom variants ever built. 338 Squadron employs its Phantoms in air defense, strike missions, tactical training, and NATO exercises, maintaining a high level of readiness despite the aircraft’ s age. The squadron continues to operate from Andravida, which also hosts Greece’ s International Air Training Center. As one of the last Phantom units worldwide, 338“ Ares” preserves a unique chapter of aviation history while remaining operationally relevant into the late 2020s.
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