# F-16 Zeus aerial demonstration in Thessaloniki

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/f-16-zeus-aerial-demonstration-in-thessaloniki
> Updated: 2026-10-28T11:27:55.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 2.

Squadron Leader Christos-Paris Charitos of the 340 Squadron was selected to perform a solo aerial demonstration using the F-16 ‘Zeus’ for the October 28, 2026, national parade in Thessaloniki. Preparations included a scheduled test flight over the Thessaloniki waterfront on October 26.

During the military parade commemorating the anniversary of 28 October 1940, Charitos performed high-difficulty maneuvers to showcase the aircraft’s combat capabilities. While piloting the F-16 Fighting Falcon, he delivered a symbolic radio message to the crowd regarding the historical significance of the word ‘No’ (OXI) in Greek history, stating: ‘One word changes history. For the Greeks, this word is NO. Today we honor those who stood tall. We remember that freedom is not given freely. Happy Anniversary, Greece.’

The demonstration drew responses from national leaders. President Konstantinos Tasoulas congratulated the pilot and the Armed Forces, noting that the greatness of a nation is measured by the strength of its soul and its blood rather than its military formation. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also addressed the significance of the day, describing Greece as a force for peace that neither threatens nor accepts threats.

## Claims

- Squadron Leader Christos-Paris Charitos delivered a radio message during the October 28 parade in Thessaloniki. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The pilot used an F-16 aircraft from the ‘Zeus’ aerobatic team. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The pilot's message referenced the historical significance of the word ‘No’ (OXI) in Greek history. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The pilot performed high-difficulty maneuvers over Thessaloniki. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Charitos has more than 1,900 total flight hours. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Charitos has over 1,500 flight hours specifically in F-16 aircraft. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-28: Greece celebrates 28 October with F-16 aerial demonstration

An F-16 pilot from the ‘Zeus’ team delivered a moving radio message regarding the historical ‘No’ of 1940 during a military parade in Thessaloniki, Greece.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-f-16-pilot-delivers-historic-message-over-thessaloniki

### 2026-10-25: Pilot Christos-Paris Charitos to fly F-16 Zeus in Thessaloniki

Squadron Leader Christos-Paris Charitos will pilot the F-16 ‘Zeus’ for the October 28 parade in Thessaloniki, following a scheduled test flight on October 26.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pilot-christos-paris-charitos-to-perform-f-16-zeus-demonstration-in-thessaloniki

---
Cite as: F-16 Zeus aerial demonstration in Thessaloniki. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/f-16-zeus-aerial-demonstration-in-thessaloniki