The Greek air force on January 19 officially inducted six new advanced Rafale jets purchased from France in a multi-billion dollar defence deal. The six jets zoomed over the city of Athens and over the iconic Acropolis before landing at the Tanagra military air base north of Athens. The six jets that have been handed over are part of the Greece’s $2.8 billion deal to purchase 18 Rafale jets from France as the Mediterranean nation looks to modernize its ageing air force. Greece also plans to spend $3.4 billion to buy three French-made frigates to strengthen its navy in the near future.

Rafale jets prepare to take off during a hand over ceremony in Tanagra military air base, about 82 kilometres (51miles) north of Athens, Greece, on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022.
A Greek airforce pilot is seen inside a Rafale jets during a hand over ceremony in Tanagra military air base, about 82 kilometres (51miles) north of Athens, Greece, on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2021.
A ground crew member directs a Rafale jet at Tanagra military air base, about 82 kilometres (51miles) north of Athens, Greece, on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2021.
A Rafale jets is sprayed with water as the Greek air force salutes six new jets at Tanagra military air base, about 82 kilometres (51miles) north of Athens, Greece, on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022.
Rafale jets fly in the Athenian sky and over the ancient Acropolis hill on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022.