Greece has begun operations at a new international pilot training center set up in partnership with Israel as part of an effort to exploit its relative aviation advantage over regional rival Turkey, AP reported.

Israeli defense contractor Elbit, which last year completed a $1.65 billion deal with the Greek government with Israeli assistance, will help operate the facility at an air force base near the southern Greek city of Kalamata.

Greece is pursuing a military modernization program focused mainly on its air force. Athens is acquiring advanced French-made Rafale jets, is modernizing its aging fleet of F-16 fighter jets and wants to join the U.S. F-35 jet program.

Turkey was excluded from the F-35 program after buying Russia's S-400 air defense system.

The new training center began operations Friday with 14 of the expected 25 single-engine T-6 turboprop jets. Next year, the fleet will be expanded with the delivery of 19 Italian-made M-346 trainer aircraft equipped with built-in virtual avionics that simulate combat and flight scenarios.

Although the flight school officially opened Friday, it will not be fully operational until early 2024, Elbit officials said.

Maj. Gen. Georgios Vagenas, commander of the Greek Air Force Training Command, said it will be the main mechanism for countering threats from our neighbor to the east.