Dendias: Aerial Refuelling Could Have Prevented 1974 Invasion of Cyprus

Athens, Greece. Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said on Monday that the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 would not have been possible if Greece had then been able to refuel its fighter jets in flight. He made the remarks as Athens signed an agreement with Portugal to buy Embraer KC-390 military transport aircraft.

The agreement

Dendias spoke at the defence ministry in Athens after signing an intergovernmental agreement with Portuguese counterpart Nuno Melo. The deal covers the procurement of three KC-390 aircraft, with an option for three more.

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According to Dendias, the agreement marks two firsts for Greece: the purchase of jet-powered military transport aircraft and the introduction of aerial refuelling for its air force.

The minister’s claim on 1974

Referring to the ability to extend the range and endurance of fighter aircraft through refuelling in the air, Dendias said: “If we had this capability then, the invasion of Cyprus in 1974 could not have happened and the invasion bridgehead could not have been maintained.”

Planned use and operational impact

The refuelling system is expected to be used first with the Rafale and Mirage fighters, and later extended to the F-16 fleet. Dendias said the capability could greatly lengthen the time fighter jets spend in the air, so that missions would no longer be limited chiefly by the fuel available.

Cooperation with Portugal

The minister described the agreement as opening a new chapter in defence cooperation between Greece and Portugal. It includes the transfer of expertise and training for Greek pilots.