Today, 5 October 2026, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis visited the headquarters of the XXI Armoured Brigade “CAVALRY BRIGADE – PINDOS” and the 182^nd Guided Missile Battalion in Komotini, in the Area of Responsibility of the Supreme Military Command of Thrace.

The Deputy Minister was received by the Commanding General of the Supreme Military Command of Thrace, Lieutenant General Panagiotis Kavidopoulos, the Commanding General of the XX Armoured Division, Major General Aristidis Kavarlingos, the Commanding General of the XXI Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Christos Gourdomichalis, and the Commanding General of the 29^th Motorised Brigade, Brigadier General Sotirios Kaletsis. Mr. Davakis was briefed on the mission, work, and operational capabilities of the Brigades and the Battalion, toured the facilities, and discussed with their cadre and enlisted soldiers.

While in Komotini, Mr. Davakis also met with the Head of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Christodoulos Topsidis at the Region’s offices. During the meeting, they discussed matters of mutual interest, focusing on close and constructive cooperation between the Armed Forces and local government to support and benefit local communities.

On the occasion of these visits, the Deputy Minister made the following statement:

“Today I came to visit the cadre and enlisted soldiers of the historic XXI Armoured Brigade, the 29^th Motorised Brigade, and the 182^nd Guided Missile Battalion, and confirmed the excellent training, high morale, and readiness of our women and men who protect our country with dedication.

I attended training activities using the new Drone Training Obstacle Course, where our personnel acquire the necessary skills in the use of cutting edge technologies.

Furthermore, I had the opportunity to meet with the Head of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, thus reaffirming the Ministry of National Defence’s continuous support to and excellent cooperation with local government.

I would like to wholeheartedly thank everyone for their work and I would like them to know that we strive everyday to improve the working conditions of our personnel, as well as address problems they and their families face”.