Greek Air Force F-16 Removed from Runway

A Hellenic Air Force F-16C fighter jet, tail number 524, was removed from the runway after making a belly landing at Zakynthos International Airport following a landing gear malfunction during a training flight on Thursday, July 9.

The aircraft, reportedly assigned to the 337th Squadron at Larissa Air Base, was landed safely by the pilot without the use of the ejection seat. The pilot escaped without injury. A fire that broke out after landing was quickly brought under control by airport rescue and firefighting teams.

Subsequent inspections confirmed that the aircraft was not built to the latest Block 72 standard, but was instead a Block 52+ variant.

The aircraft is considered repairable and is expected to be included in a modernization program scheduled to be carried out by Hellenic Aerospace Industries in 2027.

Officials said the centerline and underwing pylons helped protect the fuselage from more severe structural damage during the belly landing.