Hellenic Air Force Phantoms to Perform Rare Flypasts at Sanicole International Airshow 2025
Aviation enthusiasts are in for a rare treat at the Sanicole International Airshow 2025, as the Hellenic Air Force has confirmed that two of its legendary F-4E(AUP) Phantom IIs from 338 Mira will take to the skies for a series of flypasts. This appearance is more than just a display of military might—it’s a nod to history, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, a conflict where the Phantom cemented its legacy as an icon of the jet age.
The stars of this display hail from the 338 Mira squadron, a unit steeped in history and based at Andravida airbase in western Greece. “Mira” simply means squadron in Greek, and 338 Mira stands as one of the last bastions of the F-4 Phantom II in active service. For decades, this squadron has kept these Aegean Ghosts aloft, their distinctive camouflage scheme a familiar sight over the Mediterranean. With 121 F-4Es and RF-4Es originally delivered to Greece starting in 1974, the Phantom once formed the backbone of the Hellenic Air Force. Today, thanks to the Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP), these aircraft boast modernized radar, navigation, and weapon systems, allowing them to hold their own alongside newer fighters like the F-16 block 52+. Yet, their time is running short as Greece prepares to usher in state-of-the-art Dassault Rafales and F-35 Lightning IIs, signaling the twilight of the Phantom’s long and storied career.
Pair of Greek Phantoms / Royal International Air Tattoo 2024
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II needs little introduction to those who live and breathe aviation. First taking flight in 1958, this twin-engine multirole fighter redefined air combat in the 1960s. Capable of operating from both land bases and aircraft carriers, it carried an arsenal of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, with specialized variants tailored for reconnaissance and suppression of enemy air defenses. During the Vietnam War, American F-4s squared off against Soviet-built MiGs, revealing early shortcomings that spurred continuous development. Those upgrades paid off in later conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, where the Phantom cemented its reputation as a versatile war machine. For Greece, the F-4 has been a steadfast guardian since the 1970s, its enduring presence a testament to both its design and the nation’s commitment to keeping it airworthy.
What makes this appearance at Sanicole so extraordinary is the sheer rarity of seeing Hellenic Phantoms in a flying display—especially beyond Greece’s borders. These jets don’t have much time left before retirement claims them, and their flypasts in 2025 could well be among their final public outings. In Europe and NATO, only Greece and Turkey still operate the Phantom II, with Turkey fielding the F-4E 2020 Terminator, an upgraded variant of its own. For aviation buffs, catching these Aegean Ghosts in action is a bucket-list moment, made even more poignant by their looming exit from service.
The airshow organizers couldn’t have timed this better, weaving the Phantom’s legacy into a broader narrative. As they put it: “With the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War as one of the main themes in 2025, the International Sanicole Airshow could not miss out on inviting an absolute legend from that era. The Hellenic Air Force will provide a throwback to a generation of fighter aircraft that has almost disappeared completely, presenting two F-4E AUP Phantom IIs in a series of flybys.” It’s a fitting tribute to a jet that roared through history, leaving an indelible mark on aerial warfare.
But the Hellenic Phantoms won’t be the only draw at Sanicole 2025. The event promises a dazzling lineup of aircraft taking part in flying displays, blending the old with the new. Expect to see the Czech Air Force’s sleek SAAB JAS-39C Gripen slicing through the sky, alongside the PZL-Swidnik W-3A Sokol helicopter. The RAF Red Arrows will bring their signature precision, while the BBMF Avro Lancaster B1 offers a nod to World War II heritage. Fans of the unusual can look forward to the OV-10B Bronco from the Bronco Demo Team and the agile MBB Bo105 from Poland’s bo105.pl team. The Canadair CL-13B (F-86E) Sabre Mk6, courtesy of Mistral Warbirds, will evoke the jet age’s early days, while the Flying Bulls Aerobatic Team from Czechia and Melanie Astles in her Extra 330SC deliver heart-pounding stunts. Rounding out the roster, the Swedish Team Thunder will showcase a single Thorp T-18 and a single Lazer 230, adding a touch of individuality to the mix.
Mark your calendars for the Sanicole International Airshow 2025 at Hechtel-Eksel. The sight of those F-4 Phantoms tearing overhead, their engines echoing a bygone era, is a spectacle not to be missed—perhaps the last chance to see these legends in Belgian skies. With such a diverse array of aircraft on display, this event is shaping up to be a celebration of aviation’s past, present, and future, all wrapped into one unforgettable weekend.
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