Hellenic Air Force Zeus demonstration team performs over Thessaloniki

On October 28, 2026, the Hellenic Air Force's "Zeus" F-16 demonstration team participated in the military parade in Thessaloniki, Greece. The event marked the national "OXI Day" holiday, commemorating Greece's refusal to surrender to Axis forces in 1940.

Squadron Leader Christos-Paris Charitos piloted the F-16 during the aerial demonstration. Addressing the public via a live broadcast from the cockpit, Charitos stated, "One word changes history. For Greeks, this word is OXI. Today we honor those who stood tall, remembering that freedom is not given." The pilot, who possesses over 1,900 flight hours, emphasized the intense concentration and physical demands required to perform the complex maneuvers, which he discussed during preparations at Souda Air Base prior to the event.

The demonstration served as a symbolic bridge between the historical resistance of 1940 and the contemporary Hellenic Air Force's ongoing mission to defend national airspace. Following the flight, the pilot highlighted the emotional weight of representing the Armed Forces during this significant national celebration.