The Hellenic Air Force will send its iconic F-4E Phantom II fighter to France for the 14 July Bastille Day military parade in Paris, after a last-minute change restored the original participation plan.
The decision means Greece will once again showcase one of its legendary Phantom aircraft during the prestigious flypast over the French capital, following an invitation from the French Ministry of the Armed Forces.
The plan had briefly been altered, with two Hellenic Air Force Rafale DG/EG fighters expected to represent Greece. However, the original arrangement has now been reinstated.
Under the revised plan, one F-4E Phantom II will participate in the aerial parade, while a second Phantom will deploy as a reserve aircraft to ensure the mission proceeds without disruption.
Adding to the significance of the event, the Greek Phantom will fly in formation with an Italian Air Force Tornado IDS, bringing together two of Europe’s most iconic Cold War-era combat aircraft in a rare ceremonial appearance.
The participation highlights the strong defence ties between Greece and France, while also paying tribute to the enduring service of the F-4 Phantom II, which continues to fly with the Hellenic Air Force despite its decades-long operational history.
For aviation enthusiasts, the Bastille Day flypast will offer a unique opportunity to witness one of the world’s last operational F-4 Phantom IIs flying alongside another legendary aircraft, the Italian Tornado IDS, over the skies of Paris.