Tuesday, 15 December 2009 – Today, in a ceremony held in Tanagra, Greece, Hellenic Aerospace Industry SA delivered the last upgraded F-16 BLOCK 40 aircraft to the United States Air Force.  Following a demanding delivery schedule, HAI successfully completed the electronic and structural modification (STAR/CCIP) program, thus fulfilling all its obligations as stipulated in the contract.

The STAR/CCIP program started in November 2007 with the modification and upgrade of 94 F-16 Block 40 and Block 50 aircraft for the United States Air Force in Europe (USAFE).  Today marks the end of the CCIP program for the Block 40 and by December of 2013, the remaining Block 50 aircraft will be delivered with the necessary upgrades, in accordance with the contract.

For this remarkable achievement, Mr. Tassos Philippakos, Chief Executive Officer of HAI, congratulated the employees of Hellenic Aerospace Industry. He also stated that the accomplishment of such a demanding task would have been impossible without their technological skills and dedication.

During his remarks, U.S. Ambassador Daniel V. Speckhard emphasized that the USAFE’s use of F-16s upgraded in Greece shows the trust Americans have in Greek industry.

Mr. Philippakos expressed, on behalf of the company’s management, his gratitude to the officials representing the U.S. Department of Defense, as well as to the officers of the U.S. Air Force for entrusting this important program to HAI. He also thanked Lockheed Martin Aeronautics for its contribution during the important preparation phase of this project, and the officials representing Hill, Aviano and Spangdahlem Air Force Bases for their technical assistance and support throughout the project.