On Saturday 8 November 2025, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis attended the celebration of the Patron Saint of the Air Force Archangel Michail, at the Air Force Academy in Dekelia Air Base – Tatoi. The President of the Hellenic Republic Kostas Tasoulas honoured the ceremony with his presence.
The ceremony was attended by the C Vice President of the Hellenic Parliament Thanasis Bouras, representing the Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis, the Chief/HNDGS General Dimitrios Choupis, the Chief/HAGS Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, the Chief/HNGS Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras HN, the Chief/HAFGS Lieutenant General Dimosthenis Grigoriadis, the Commanding General of the Air Force Academy Major General Mattheos Kanoupakis, representatives of political parties, Senior and Junior Officers of the Armed Forces and the Security Forces, delegations of members of the three Services of the Armed Forces, and representatives of local bodies.
Upon conclusion of the ceremony, Mr. Davakis stated:
“Today, on the day of the Supreme Commanders, our Air Force is celebrating!
Its personnel are celebrating, on the shoulders of whom the Country has entrusted the protection of our air space, over the Aegean and anywhere else.
The upgrade of the F-16, the support of the Mirage, the acquisition of the Rafale, and the acquisition of the F 35 -currently in the pipeline-, are essential power injections, as well as a message of deterrence to the threat from the East.
This day belongs to all the women and men of our Air Force as well who, with their aircraft flights, ensure the motto “Always Rule on High” and our blue sky.
It also belongs to all those on the ground, who work day and night to achieve this!”
