The Signing of contracts for the supply of Belharra frigates and Rafale fighter jets, are a milestone in our bilateral defense cooperation and, more broadly, in Greece-France relations. This was emphasized by the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, in a special ceremony that took place today, at the “Battleship George Averoff” in Paleo Faliro.
Referring to the ceremony at the “Battleship George Averoff”, the Minister of National Defense stressed that “this is an emblematic warship in the history of our country, with a key role in securing its national independence and sovereignty and defending our national rights.” saying that “the fact that the signing ceremony” takes place at the “Battleship George Averoff” is a top symbolism.
N. Panagiotopoulos clarified that the acquisition of the Belharra frigates and the 6 additional Rafale fighters “will contribute to the further strengthening of the combat capability and deterrent power of the Navy and the Air Force and, in general, of the Armed Forces, which is a basic mission. the defense of the territorial integrity and sovereign rights of our homeland “.
He said he was proud, as “never before have negotiations for such complex and large armaments programs been completed so quickly and so methodically.”
“With the acquisition of new frigates and new fighter jets,” he said, “the firepower of the Greek Navy and the Greek Air Force will be multiplied. The special features of the Rafale and Belharra, with their advanced electronic systems (radar sensors, electronic warfare systems, etc.) in combination with their strategic weapons, make these specific armament programs an important factor of air and naval superiority.
Regarding the agreement, he stated that “it is, as the Prime Minister Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed, a model for a strong, autonomous and self-sufficient European Union of tomorrow”.
“It is time,” he added, “that the EU’s economic strength should be commensurate with its defense capability, so that from a passive observer, it can become an active protagonist of geopolitical developments.”
Regarding Greek-French relations, he stressed that “they aim to shield the two countries’ defenses against revisionist actions, such as Russia’s actions against Ukraine, in violation of Ukrainian territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, and to ensure , from threats that refer to dark periods of history “.
He went on to say that Greek-French relations “are based on solidarity and the strong, timeless and sincere friendship of our countries and peoples, since the time of the Greek Revolution in 1821, and the contribution of the French philhellenes and France, as a Great Power, in the national struggle for freedom “.
“It is,” he said, “a special honor and joy, and it is of particular importance, that the French Minister of Defense, Mrs. Florence Parley, will take part in tomorrow’s glorious celebration of the National Anniversary.”
“It is the common will and decision of our governments to contribute to security, stability and prosperity in the wider Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean region, based on respect for the rules of international law, international law of the sea and the principles of good neighborliness.” in his speech N. Panagiotopoulos.
For her part, the French Minister of Defense, Florence Parley, stressed that Greece “completes and strengthens” its operational capabilities by acquiring frigates. “It will have,” he said, “ships with state-of-the-art combat systems capable of protecting its national interests.”
Regarding the strategic cooperation between Greece and France, he stated that “it signals our common will to be in solidarity with threats” against “our states and our interests”.
“It signals,” he continued, “the will for cooperation of our defense industries in the long run.”
At the same time, he characterized the cooperation between Greece and France as “a great asset” “in order to build the European Defense of tomorrow”.
The contract for the acquisition of frigates and aircraft was signed by the Greek side by the Director General of Defense Equipment and Investments of the Ministry of National Defense, Rear Admiral e.a. Aristidis Alexopoulos. From the French side, the President and CEO of Naval, Pierre-Eric Pomele, and the CEO of MBDA, Eric Berange, signed the contract, while the contract for the aircraft was signed by the CEO of Dassault Aviation, Eric Trapier, and the CEO of MBDA
The ceremony was attended by the Speaker of Parliament Konstantinos Tassoulas, the Ambassador of France in Athens Patrick Mezonav, the Chief of General Staff General Konstantinos Floros, the Chief of General Staff Rear Admiral Stylianos Petrakis, the Chief of General Staff Antis MPs, representatives of local government organizations, executives of the defense industry and the shipowner lieutenant and a great donor of the Navy Panagiotis Laskaridis.
After the end of the ceremony, N. Panagiotopoulos and Fl. Parley, visited the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
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