On Wednesday 14 July 2021, on the second day of the International Defence and Security Exhibition “DEFEA”, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Alkiviadis Stefanis had a meeting with the British Minister of State for Defence Procurement Mr. Jeremy Quin, in the presence of Her Majesty’s Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Hellenic Republic Ms. Kate Smith. Issues of mutual interest were analysed and the strengthening of interstate relations and operational capabilities that constantly arise was brought forward.
Then, the Deputy Minister of National Defence had a visit by the Director General of the Ministry of Defence of Cyprus Mr. Andreas Loukas. The ways in which consortia are formed were analysed, with a view to the development of innovative products, and areas of broadening the relations between the two countries through joint events and actions were presented.
He made an address at the meeting held by the General Directorate of Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) for the NATO Support and Procurements Agency – NSPA. Moreover, he highlighted the importance of cooperation with and exploiting NSPA’s potential in a number of fields, such as the training of personnel. He also referred to the two major crises that our country managed recently – the guided invasion of immigrants through our borders that are also Europe’s borders – and the pandemic, expressing his pride for the actions and the results of the Armed Forces in their management.
Finally, he had a meeting with the delegation of the Ministry of Defence of Iraq composed of the Secretary General Lieutenant General Raad Hashim Kadum and the Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence Lieutenant General Muthher Ali Rwanduzy Shwan. Issues of bilateral relations and cooperation were discussed, while the particular interest of the Iraqi side in Greek defence material manufacturing companies was highlighted.
After having a tour at the areas of the Exhibition, he visited the French pavilion where he attended the celebrations for the National Day of July 14th.
The address at the Meeting of the General Directorate of Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) for NSPA follows:
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you in this meeting that is organised within the framework of DEFEA by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency – NSPA and the General Directorate of Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA). The purpose of the meeting is to seek ways of further enhancing the cooperation between the Acquisition Planning and Development Office – APDO and the Greek defence industry.
The Ministry of National Defence has set the strengthening of the domestic defence industry, being also the top priority of the government policy, as a priority. To maintain the superiority of the Armed Forces, in accordance with the government’s directives, it is imperative that drastic changes take place and the procedures accelerate.
In that light, DEFEA’s objectives are twofold: First, to reposition Greece on the map of international defence exhibitions and second, to serve as a reference for the strengthening and development of the domestic defence manufacturing. The spearhead for the achievement of these objectives is the presentation of the state-of-the-art land, air and naval weapon systems.
The Greek defence industry, the undisputable strategic pillar for the country’s national security, has the opportunity to play a leading role with new approaches in order to create a wider ecosystem. To implement these changes and finally lead in the competition, the Greek defence industry highlighting its outreach, its competitiveness and its innovation promotes its products to a broader public. A public consisting of the largest companies in this field.
The security environment is evolving at a rapid pace. However, several key trends may be defined. The correlation between the capabilities of the Greek defence industry and the operational requirements of the Armed Forces represents an opportunity for the domestic industry to become productive, functional and competitive. At the same time, it also creates the appropriate conditions for maintaining our most valuable weapon system: our personnel.
In this context, the participation of the domestic industry in all armament programmes and the direct linkage of all defence supplies, bringing great benefit to the industry, constitute a national necessity. This will provide multiple benefits to our Country’s defence and economy. Creating a powerful culture of consortia will provide Greece with the means to confront the challenges in the national security environment. The appropriate synergies may help our country to keep its competitive advantages, dealing at the same time with potential emerging threats by any opponent.
Considering the foregoing, the Ministry of National Defence believes that there is considerable scope for further deepening the cooperation with NSPA by exploiting the enormous potential of the agency. The Agency’s existing institutional procurement framework, which provides for flexible tendering procedures for the procurement of materials or services, may boost the domestic industrial production. Furthermore, it may optimize the Armed Forces’ Logistics support.
Concluding, I would also like to highlight that NSPA, always operating on a non-economic basis and without being loss-making, constitutes the integrated Logistics provider for NATO. It supports the military system during times of peace, crisis and war. It is an agency we can always count on”.
