Mr. Konstantinos Floros, retired general, ex-AGEETHA and Mr. Athanasios Platias, professor at the University of Piraeus discussed the country’s national security strategy in the context of the 9th Delphi Economic Forum which takes place April 10-13 in Delphi under the auspices of A.E. of the President of the Republic, Mrs. Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

As Mr. Floros explained, Greece is in a difficult area that requires vigilance and dedication of forces. “The crisis also had the element of opportunity, as an armaments program was approved and started which is already paying off. When it is completed we will have the means (modernization of old and acquisition of new equipment) that will allow us at the critical moment to be able to do it ourselves.”

This equipment program covers the short-medium term study objectives for Armed forces and has been based on a scientific study of the dangerousness of our country. As Mr. Floros explained, there is also a study on the long-term goals of the Armed Forces until 2050.

“I am an optimist by nature and always in favor of the peaceful resolution of disputes. However, optimism should not be naive. If the inevitable happens we should be ready. I do not believe that anyone will come to fight with us, but if they come, they will be welcome. So we must have the means to fight alone. If you want peace, you have to prepare for war, that’s the only way you get out of the difficult situation,” he added.

He stressed that the equipment given to Ukraine in no way weakened the country’s reserves. “We gave Ukraine non-operationally necessary weapons,” he explained. Finally, regarding Turkey’s provocation, he said that after the earthquakes in our neighboring country, it has stopped in the field, but not in rhetoric in international forums.