The Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, visited on Wednesday 22 January 2025 the Fort Sill Fires Center of Excellence in Oklahoma, which houses the Army’s Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) University.

The Minister had the opportunity to be informed by the Commander of Fort Sill, General Major Winston P. Brooks, about the academic training in the field of counteracting Unmanned Aircraft Systems, as well as the development of state-of-the-art innovations and defence tactics for dealing with new threats.

Mr. Dendias was also informed about the use of modern manufacturing methods, by taking advantage of Artificial Intelligence, and the manufacturing of spare parts and accessories for Unmanned Aircraft Systems using 3D printers.

Then, the Minister had a tour at the new systems’ design and assembly facilities in the context of Research & Development (R&D).

At the Classified Combat Intelligence Management Center, Mr. Dendias was briefed by officers on the purpose of their mission, and he attended a demonstration showing how attacks by a fleet of Unmanned Aircraft Systems can be effectively dealt with in real operational conditions.

The Minister of National Defence had also the opportunity to meet with Officers of the Hellenic Army, undergoing training in modern Artillery fire directing technologies there.

At the end of his visit at Fort Sill, Mr. Dendias stated the following:

“Today, I had the pleasure of visiting Fort Sill, which is the home of the US Army’s Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) University. Members of the US Armed Forces are undergoing training here in drone warfare and during my visit, there was a demonstration showing how a fleet of drones can be effectively dealt with, which is extremely important.

I was informed about the latest developments in drone warfare and I believe that on the occasion of my visit, a period of close cooperation between the aforementioned University and the Hellenic Armed Forces will begin.

I am so concerned that the Hellenic Armed Forces should have state-of-the-art knowledge and experience in the battle against fleets of drones. I thing we all understand the importance of it for our Country.

Moreover, I had the opportunity to meet two of our Officers undergoing training in other Artillery systems as well. And here is where the US Artillery School is housed, where dozens of our Officers have been trained over the years. Therefore, my wish is that our relationship with this Institution becomes deeper and that the training process covers all areas.

Concluding, allow me to say something different. I would like to warmly congratulate Nikitas Kaklamanis for his election as President of the Hellenic Parliament. I had the opportunity of casting my vote for him via mail. However, this does not change my support for him and the certainty that he will perform his important duties in the best way”.