“Our plan for the Defense Industry includes the upgrading of infrastructure, the strengthening of research and development, the cooperation with private and international bodies, as well as the utilization of European funded programs for Research and Development, which will strengthen our ability to develop new technologies and improve existing infrastructures. These are programs that will contribute to attracting investments and creating highly specialized jobs, making our country competitive at an international level. After all, “Agenda 2030″ aims precisely at the creation of a modern and efficient defense ecosystem, which will meet the needs of the country and contribute to economic development and national security”, pointed out, among other things, the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, in an interview with EBEA’s “Development” magazine, referring to the government’s plan for the Greek defense industry. And this is due to the fact that the participation of the Defense Industry in the GDP amounts to only 0.7%, while Defense expenditures reach 3%. “This mismatch is a serious challenge that requires a comprehensive and strategically driven approach to strengthening Greece’s defense industry,” he added.

At the same time, regarding the possibility of further shrinking of the defense industry, he categorically stated that “it is not a solution to the problems we face and that is not our goal. Strengthening cooperation with private actors, both at national and European level, is crucial for increasing efficiency and competitiveness. In addition, participating in international networks and entering into partnerships with other countries will strengthen our ability to meet the demands of modern defense. In every negotiation with foreign suppliers, we always request, both at the political and military level, the participation of Greek industrial companies”, he repeated.

For Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation (ELKAK) announced that “in the current time period, all the required actions have already begun on its part to complete the organizational framework of its operation, the development of partnerships and the preparation of its planning in the field of research. The establishment of this body aims to cultivate an integrated defense innovation ecosystem. The mission of ELKAK is to provide the necessary funding, motivating domestic companies and startups to invest in research, developing their technological capabilities and improving their know-how. In this way, the wider participation and the creative utilization of the working and academic potential of our country, which has specialized knowledge and skills, is ensured. At the same time, new jobs are created and domestic industry becomes more competitive,” he added.

At the international level, the purpose of ELKAK is to attract resources from abroad to finance research projects, through the interstate relations and the various defense organizations in which our country participates. It is important that through this project the gradual transformation of the Ministry of National Defense from a buyer of foreign equipment “off the shelf” into a productive force with a significant presence in the field of the defense industry on a global level is promoted. The results with this practical change in mindset are expected to be extremely positive not only for our Armed Forces, but also for our national economy. In this context, we are already planning a Symposium in Greece for Innovation in December, with France as the honored country.

Referring to “Agenda 2030” “the biggest reform that has ever taken place in the Hellenic Armed Forces” he said “reflects our strategic defense priorities to strengthen our military power in five main axes:

– Update of the National Security Policy and reorganization of the Armed Forces,

– Continuation, acceleration and rationalization of our equipment programs,

– Strengthening of the National Defense Industry,

-Promotion of Defense Diplomacy,

-Training of the permanent and reserve personnel of the Armed Forces as well as upgrading their living conditions.

Mr. Dendias pointed out that “a key parameter on which the formulation of the “Agenda 2030″ was based – apart from its operational part – is the assurance that the armament program of the Armed Forces moves within the existing or projected budgetary margins, in combination with maximum utilization of the arrears of the Greek taxpayer. The drafting of the new Force Structure is already underway. By the beginning of next year, not only will the entire armaments program of the Armed Forces be costed over a 12-year period, but in addition the basic principle of transparency that should govern decisions that significantly burden its budget will be optimally ensured of our country”, he further assessed.

Finally, the Minister of National Defense referred to the decisions of KYSEA for the procurement of F-35 fighter jets, helicopters BLACK HAWKthe participation in the design of the Frigates CONSTELLATION and participation in the Eurocorvette program. “With these and many other means, the Armed Forces are shielded and move to a different level, as a security provider in the wider region”, he concluded.