Zeus demonstration team performs at Thessaloniki parade

On October 28, 2026, the Hellenic Air Force's "Zeus" F-16 demonstration team performed a flight over Thessaloniki during the national holiday parade celebrating the "OXI" Day. The aircraft was piloted by Squadron Leader Christos-Paris Charitos, who addressed the public via radio link, emphasizing that freedom is not granted and honoring those who fought for Greece’s independence in 1940.

Squadron Leader Charitos, who serves with the 340th "Fox" Squadron at the Souda Air Base, boasts over 1,900 flight hours, including more than 1,500 hours in F-16 fighter jets. He began his military career in 2006 upon entering the Hellenic Air Force Academy and has been flying F-16 Block 52+ aircraft since his 2012 posting at the 115th Combat Wing. During the post-parade exchange, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Konstantinos Tasoulas, praised the display, noting that national greatness is measured by the character and spirit of the people.

The demonstration served as a symbolic bridge between the historical resistance of 1940 and the modern operational readiness of the Greek Armed Forces. The event, which required precise maneuvers and intense physical preparation by the pilot, concluded successfully with high public and official approval, highlighting the pilot's long-standing dedication to his aviation career.