Spiros Leftheriotis
At a time when geopolitical developments in the Mediterranean region require immediate and strategic attention, the Minister of National defence, Mr. Dendias, recently presented the country’s defence policy agenda at an event hosted by the Rotary Club of Athens. The situation is critical, as continued threats from Turkey make the need for preparedness and strategic adjustment imperative.
The Minister emphasised that the large and expensive platforms of fighter aircraft and frigates, financed by the Greek taxpayers, cannot be endangered by defending the integrity of the Aegean. “They will do another job,” he said, implying that investments in military equipment may not directly serve national needs.
This statement raises serious questions about the priority of defence policy. Who will take responsibility for the security not only of the Aegean, but of all Greece when the military forces are deployed for international missions, such as the participation of the frigate ‘Hydra’ in the operation ‘Aspides’ (Shields) in the Red Sea? The feeling that the country remains defenceless, while at the same time spending huge sums without a real strategy, causes concern and insecurity among the citizens.
In addition, the state of the country’s air force needs immediate attention. Our pilots fly 40-year-old aircraft such as the F-5 and C-130, and the lack of modern air assets makes Greece vulnerable. Aviation, as a critical factor in national security, must be strengthened to ensure the integrity of the airspace and provide support to naval and military forces.
The announcement of the closure of 132 military camps and the downsizing of the military as per the “2030 Agenda” reinforces the sense that the government is pursuing a different approach to defence which does not appear to have the support of military administrations or political parties. The lack of strong opposition from the parliament and military authorities to such decisions is worrying.
It is important to note that Greece is the “icing on the cake” desired by our surrounding friendly neighbouring countries who secretly seek to obtain a piece of it.
Moreover, the army is not only in the event of a war, but must be ready to provide assistance in any emergency, such as natural disasters or other crises. Our strategy must focus on strengthening the national guard and preparing an army that will be able to protect the integrity of our homeland and its citizens from any threat.
It is time to seriously consider our priorities and invest in the security of Greece, ensuring that the resources from Greek citizens are used in the best possible way. The military must have access to the entire country and be able to respond to every need, from building infrastructure to providing emergency assistance.
New and reconstructed naval bases with suitable fleets available for immediate intervention in any event in time of need must cover and offer full security and immediate action from the most north-western point of Corfu to our south-easternmost island rock in the Dodecanese and in all our seas and islands.
For our islands on the border with Turkey, it is an imperative and urgent need that they are manned and equipped with modern defence systems, since, as the Minister of National Defence mentioned, the planned air dome to protect the entire Greek territory from attacks will take place within the framework of the program. But when? When it will be too late? Or when several Greek islands are occupied first?
Greece needs a strong set of national security bodies, with modern means and capabilities, which will be able to respond victoriously to the challenges of the future. Investing in modern defence and offensive systems as well as developing a domestic munitions and weapons industry is critical to our national security and integrity.
It is time to take action and ensure that Greece remains strong and safe in a world full of challenges and with only a government of true Greeks as we must not forget that part of the enemy is already within the country.
Translated by Themis Ioakimidis
