The hallmark of the radical reorganization and digital transformation of the Armed Forces was set by Nikos Dendias, presenting the key pillars for the country’s defense.

The Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, emphasized on Thursday (6/11) that Greece’s Armed Forces are entering a new era with the implementation of the “Agenda 2030,” emphasizing infrastructure autonomy and the multiplying power resulting from the utilization of new technologies, innovation, and specifically unmanned ground, air, and sea.

At the same time, he referred to Greek-Turkish, the Ukrainian drone in Lefkada and the apology sought by Kyiv, as well as the political developments.

Nikos Dendias, at the 7th Economic Courier Forum on the theme “100 Years of the Economic Courier – From 1926 to the New Digital Era,” held at the Old Tobacco Factory, announced that on Friday morning (6/12) work will begin in Malakasa on “the third and largest drone factory with the capacity to manufacture tens of thousands per year for air and sea use.” As he clarified, “everything will be of Greek design,” while “ensuring affordable access to technology of the highest standard for our country’s Armed Forces.”

The Minister of National Defense explained that abroad, people often mistakenly seek “the optimal, most technologically advanced solution, at the highest cost and with production delays.” In contrast, the philosophy of the modern Greek Armed Forces focuses on “low cost with 3D printers for whatever we need, so that we can cope with crisis conditions.”

“We are building our own infrastructure,” emphasized Nikos Dendias, adding that “in collaboration with the Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation (ELKAK), the Armed Forces will be integrated into the Greek defense ecosystem”. He described “offset benefits as a sinful parenthesis,” emphasizing that “they were supposed to function as reinvestment. However, the way they were implemented also created corruption.”

Regarding the Greek Defense Industry’s participation in defense procurement programs, he emphasized that a “simple rule” would be followed, explaining that there would be “a 25% investment of the total amount in Greece and, at the same time, there will be a transfer of know-how for every weapons system we purchase.”

Regarding the issue of the Ukrainian maritime drone in Lefkada, Nikos Dendias pointed out that “I took the Ukrainian side’s apology as an assurance that such a thing will not happen again. There is also an additional issue. The Ukrainian side knew that it had lost control of this drone for many hours. Fundamentally, for the protection of human life, it should have informed us. That did not happen. We found it. So, in any case, I repeat, on the political side, I accept the apology that was offered.”

Regarding the bill concerning the “Blue Homeland” in Turkey, Mr. Dendias emphasized that “I would hope it doesn’t come to pass. Imagine Greece submitting a bill tomorrow to the Hellenic Parliament and placing the Greek borders somewhere, let’s say, in the middle of Turkish territory.”

Regarding the incident involving the harassment of the aircraft he was traveling on during his last visit to Cyprus, he stated: “That was an unpleasant incident. There was no reason for it. I think Turkey had no reason to do it nor did it have any reason to scramble F-16s.”

Regarding Greek-Turkish relations, he reiterated that “the stated threat is real”, while “the scope of claims outside of international law is expanding.” “It is my constitutional duty to defend my homeland. That is what our Armed Forces do,” he clarified.

Regarding the EU’s SAFE Regulation, he commented that “it is a flawed regulation” and explained: “Its purpose is not being served”, as it was created to provide the European Union with new equipment capabilities. “You won’t be able to set up production lines by 2030”, he added. “Greece has submitted a defense procurement plan—for the first time in Greek history—covering a 12-year and a 20-year period. We will submit any amendments to Parliament shortly. The first revision will be submitted immediately because developments are moving fast. This is what the Europeans must do as well. Not three- or four-year regulations,” he emphasized.

“Greece must be able to defend itself on its own. There is a real threat. We must be ready. This is the collective responsibility of the political system and, first and foremost, of the government and the prime minister,” added the Minister of National Defense.

Regarding political developments, Nikos Dendias described the climate as unusual, referring to the creation of new parties, while regarding the polling performance of New Democracy, he explained that he has recently spoken out several times, emphasizing that “this should be a cause for concern”.

At the same time, he emphasized that “yesterday, the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, spoke clearly about a first-round victory and a majority government. He set the bar exactly where it needs to be. New Democracy is presenting an independent proposal to society. It must strive for a majority government. The prime minister put an end to the discussion about the margin over the second, third, or fourth-place party and defined our goal as achieving a majority government.