On Tuesday, 18 June 2019, a ceremony was held at 1st Army Aviation Brigade headquarters for the induction of 10 CH-47D “Chinook” helicopters and 70 ΟΗ-58D “Kiowa Warrior” observation and reconnaissance helicopters.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of National Defence Evangelos Apostolakis, who also gave an address.

The ceremony was also attended by the Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General (HAF) Christos Christodoulou, the Chief of Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Nikolaos Tsounis, the Chief of Hellenic Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Georgios Kambas, and the Chief of Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Lieutenant General (HAF) Georgios Blioumis, as well as the former Minister of National Defence Panos Kammenos.

On behalf of the US, the ceremony was attended by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Defense Exports and Cooperation, Ms. Ann Cataldo, and the US Ambassador to Athens, Mr. Geoffrey Pyatt.

The induction of these helicopters, which is within the framework of the implementation of the interstate agreements signed between Greece and the US for the grant of defence equipment, upgrades the Army Aviation’s operational capabilities and the joint defence capabilities. Their operational exploitation will contribute to the areas of surveillance and reconnaissance and will increase the flexibility and transport capacity of the Armed Forces. The capabilities of these helicopters, in addition to their operational value, will also enhance the social contribution of the Armed Forces in the areas of aerial firefighting, aeromedical evacuation, and air surveillance during the fire season.

Below is the Minister of National Defence’s address:

“It is a great pleasure for me to be here in Stefanovikio for the induction ceremony of 10 CHINOOK and 70 KIOWA WARRIOR helicopters to the Hellenic Army.

This ceremony is yet another induction ceremony after the induction to the Hellenic Navy of the P3-B Maritime Patrol Aircraft and the induction to the Hellenic Air Force of 12 new TECNAM trainer aircraft.

We have the pleasure of enjoying the fruits of a significant effort which is none other than the implementation of programmes upgrading our defence capabilities. The capabilities of all three Services of the Armed Forces.

This has always been our philosophy. We have always worked towards promoting jointness and synergy. Our goal is to constantly enhance the interoperability among the Services of the Armed Forces so that, together, the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force can become even more effective.

I would like to stress that this programme, as all other programmes we implement, took place with the best cost-benefit relationship in mind. Our goal has always been the acquisition of high tech weapon systems with great operational value at the lowest cost possible. Systems and assets fully adapted to our operational requirements, covering existing and acknowledged operational needs, always respecting he sacrifices of the Greek people.

The acquisition of the 70 ΟΗ-58D Kiowa Warrior observation, reconnaissance, and light attack helicopters, together with the relevant ground support and training equipment, is of great operational value.

It is certain that the Kiowa helicopters will provide advantages in the area of border surveillance in Evros and the border islands of the East and Southeast Aegean, with their capability to operate day and night, thanks to their modern systems.

Their induction to the Army will cover an existing need in the area of surveillance and reconnaissance, hence the importance of their acquisition.

With these, we reinforce the defence of the Aegean islands, using them as a shield against any aggression.

And, of course, the CHINOOK helicopters need no introductions. The thousands of flight hours they have flown on both operational, as well as aerial firefighting and aeromedical evacuation missions, are testimony to their tremendous operational value and great contribution to the social work undertaken by the Armed Forces.

You are well aware that we assist society in every way possible. We stand beside Greek citizens and Greek society whenever and wherever needed.

Of course, today’s great payoff is the result of the implementation of the long-standing strategic cooperation of Greece and the US, which is based on strong political, military, economic, and cultural ties.

We reap the rewards of a framework of close strategic cooperation which is not just words and mutual shaping of a positive climate, and this is proven by facts.

So, today, this is the capping stone of the great preparation, coordination, and cooperation of the Armed Forces of Greece and the United States of America. I’d like to congratulate everyone for their great contribution to the whole programme implementation effort.

Mrs Cataldo,

Mr Ambassador,

Today we have another tangible outcome from our strategic cooperation with the United States.

Investing in our long-lasting friendship, we are witnessing a continuously increasing momentum and new aspects in our military relations.

I strongly believe that we are experiencing a great defence cooperation with strategic impact, which has not yet achieved its full potential and capacity.

In this time of unpredictable challenges, Greece as a credible ally, remains on the frontline and has proven to be a pillar of stability and a security provider in the East Med, the Balkans and beyond. We support and promote peace, stability and security.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

in the current extremely fragile and changing strategic and geoeconomic environment, having effective and combat ready Armed Forces is very important for the country.

This is demonstrated every day, as our Armed Forces successfully protect our country and our sovereign rights. With high national conscience and resolve, the Hellenic Armed Forces guarantee the security, peace, and territorial integrity of Greece.

Upgrading the capabilities of and transforming the Hellenic Armed Forces according to the new conditions is the only way forward.

Within this framework, with today’s induction of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and CHINOOK helicopters, the Hellenic Army, the Hellenic Armed Forces are upgraded.

They upgrade our flexibility and troop transport capacity.

They upgrade our air power, which is a key element of national military power and a significant aspect of defence diplomacy.

In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the former Minister of National Defence for his contribution and persistence in the acquisition of these helicopters, and the former and the current Chiefs of Hellenic Army General Staff for their efforts, which led to this excellent result.

To the pilots, trainers, and helicopter support personnel, I wish clear skies, safe landings, and all success in their mission.

Thank you very much”.