09/05/2026
There are no words for this.
Today, two Hellenic Air Force aviators climbed into an F-4E Phantom knowing that thousands of people had travelled from across Greece, Europe and far beyond to see one of the most iconic aircraft ever to serve the Hellenic Air Force.
This was only the second year of the Greek Phantom display, and this season the team had developed a far more complete routine — a display designed to show the F-4 in all its glory while there is still time to see it flying.
They knew the Phantom’s days in Hellenic Air Force service are numbered. They knew how much this aircraft means to so many people. And they went out there to give the crowd something to remember.
Tragically, they never came home.
Two aviators lost their lives while showing the world the aircraft they flew, the aircraft they represented and the aircraft so many of us had travelled to Tanagra to see.
What should have been a celebration of the Phantom has become one of the darkest days Greek military aviation has seen in recent years.
Our thoughts are with their families, friends, squadron mates and everyone in the Hellenic Air Force.
The Phantom display will never be remembered in quite the same way again.
Rest in peace. 🇬🇷🕯️
