Emblem

“Mοχθείν ανάγκη ευτυχείν” (To Reach Happiness, One Needs to Work Hard)

(Euripides)

NCAGE Code: G0978

Location

The Depot is located at Elefsis Air Base.

Established

1925

Subordination

Hellenic Air Force Support Command

Mission

The mission of the Hellenic Air Force Aircraft Depot (HAFAD) is the execution of factory-level inspections, repairs and modifications to weapon systems and vehicles of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF), the preparation and implementation of engineering studies for the reconstruction-manufacture of components-systems for the HAF Units and the provision of technical support to Units or third parties.

History

The HAFAD was founded in 1925 with headquarters in Paleo Faliro, Athens, following a relevant decision by Eleftherios Venizelos, with the cooperation of the British BLACKBURN Company. It was under state control and had as its mission the construction and maintenance of operational and training aircraft of the time.

Between 1926-1929, the first VELOS-type seaplane-torpedo plane was built for the Naval Aviation Forceat the HAFAD facilities, along with ten (10) ATLAS-type bombers and ten (10) Avro Tutor training aircraft.

In 1938 the Greek Government assumed full control of the Depot.

In 1939, the first full-metal PZL P-24 aircraft was manufactured at HAFAD and then it served during the 1940 war. Ninety (90) HENSCHEL-type aircraft were also designed and built, but production was discontinued due to Greece entering the World War II.

After the war, HAFAD took over the depot maintenance of the majority of HAF’s aeronautical equipment.

In 1952 HAFAD joined the 30th Air Support Command and in 1957 it was redesignated as the 202 KEA.

Between the years 1948-1971 the following branches were established: Machine Repair Workshop – Automobiles (SEMA) at the 127 SAB in Faliro (1948), Telecommunications-Electronics in Hellinikon (1958) and Aeroengines in Elefsis (1971).

In 1961, SEMA branchcame under 202 KEA.

In 1974 they all together were renamed Depots and joined the Central Directorate of 202 KEA, located in Paleo Faliro. The establishment of the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) in 1975 absorbed some of the staff as well as the workload of the HAFAD.

In the period 1979-1981, the ongoing activities in Paleo Faliro and Elefsis were relocated to Hellinikon.

In the year 1982 the 202 KEA was reorganized to the standard structure of a typical HAF Unit, after the Board of Directors was abolished and the Director General was replaced by a Commander.

In 1984 the 202 KEA was reorganized under a new organizational structure with the operation of the Depots as equivalent to Squadrons under the 202 KEA/Command Group.

In 1987, the 202 KEA/Command Group was abolished, the Depots became independent and came under the Hellenic Air Force Support Command with the following names:

• Hellenic Air Force Aircraft Depot (KEA)
• Aeroengines Depot (A/K), incorporating the Chemical Laboratory
• Transportation Means & Mechanical Equipment(MM-EE)
• C-E Depot

In 1991, the A/K and MM-EE Depots were consolidated into a single entity with a new organizational structure and name: Aero Engines and Special Operational Vehicles Depot (A/K& EEO). The supervision activities, the production activities and the backshops of the 6th Sector were relocated from Elefsis to Hellinikon.

In 1999, HAFAD took over the construction of the PEGASOS unmanned aerial vehicle as well as the overall requirements of their modifications and repairs.

In 2002, the last F-4E aircraft was delivered before the Hellinikon airport’s runway length was restricted to 2000 meters and its subsequent permanent suspension.

At the same time, the inspection and repair programs for the AB-205 and B-212 helicopters continued.

In 2003, HAFAD undertook the inspection and repair programs of the Super Puma helicopters, the 3000-hour periodic inspection of the T-41 aircraft, the B1-Check inspection of the C-27J aircraft, and since then it provides technical support to all HAF aircraft.

In 2009 it took over the depot maintenance of the PZL M-18 aircraft.

In May 2009, with the disbandment of the 129th Support Wing, HAFAD took over the support of Hellinikon Air Base and local Units.

In 2012, the relocation process of HAFAD to the facilities at Elefsis Air Base was initiated.

In October 2013, the operation of the A/K & EEO Depot ceases and its activities are integrated into those of the HAFAD, now headquartered at Elefsis AB.

At the beginning of 2016, the process for relocating HAFAD to AB Elefsis was concluded, following the completion of large-scale infrastructure projects as well as the transfer of machine tools, equipment, materials and personnel. In particular, in November 2016 the new Aircraft-Helicopter Hangar of HAFAD was inaugurated, aiming to house new depot level maintenance programs.

In July 2016, the HAF Leadership approved the necessity-feasibility for the development of a depot-level maintenance capability for the F100-PW-229 engines of the F-16 Block 52+/52+ADV/VIPER aircraft at HAFAD, which is being realized gradually since.

In October 2021, the first depot maintenance of C-130H aircraft (3-year Periodic Inspection) was completed.

In May 2024, as part of the F100-PW-229 depot capability development, HAFAD delivered the first low pressure turbine module (Fan Drive Turbine Module).

In addition to the above, HAFAD sustains active maintenance lines for performing inspections and repairs of the PZL-M18B aircraft, the AS-332C1 Super Puma, AB-205 and B-212 helicopters, as well as for overhaul of the J79-GE-17 engines for the F-4E aircraft and for build-up of the T56 engines for the C-130 aircraft.

Contact

• Email:
• • Commander: kea@haf.gr
  • Public Affairs Office: kea@haf.gr