On Friday, 17 May 2019, the Minister of National Defence Evangelos Apostolakis attended the ceremony for the delivery of the intermediate solution P-3B maritime patrol aircraft to the Hellenic Navy, which took place at the Hellenic Aerospace Industry facilities in Tanagra, and gave an address.

Below is the Minister of National Defence’s address:

“Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to attend the ceremony for the delivery of the intermediate solution P-3B maritime patrol aircraft to the Hellenic Navy. This is the first step in the important modernisation programme of the P-3B aircraft.

My joy is even greater, since I have the pleasure to reap the rewards of a very important effort that started when I was still Chief of the Navy Staff.

This day is the capping stone of the excellent preparation, coordination, and cooperation among the Hellenic Navy, the US Navy, HAI, Lockheed Martin, and the Hellenic Air Force. I’d like to congratulate them all for their great contribution to the whole effort, which is still ongoing.

I remember that, when in 2013 we first mentioned the idea of the activation and operational upgrade of the P-3Bs, which were decommissioned at the time, many were puzzled, to say the least.

We struggled to navigate through understandable objections and inexplicable mud-slinging. But, having examined the problem correctly and in depth, we answered the understandable objections and disregarded the inexplicable mud-slinging.

We’ve come a long way.

Always true to our vision, we made a great effort.

So, today we receive the first aircraft, which is already conducting flight tests.

It has flown.

We trained technicians and aircrews.

A decommissioned aircraft was again activated.

This brings us again the great capabilities of maritime patrol aircraft in terms of intelligence gathering and anti-submarine warfare.

This upgrades the newly-established Navy Aviation Command.

It upgrades our air power.

It upgrades the Hellenic Navy.

It upgrades the Armed Forces.

And it does so through a programme that was clearly and transparently proven to be the most economically and technically beneficial solution.

With maximum participation of the domestic defence industry in the programme.

So, we have many reasons to feel proud and happy today.

We feel vindicated.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Currently, we experience an unstable regional environment, with fragile balances in the near vital geopolitical space. It is the aim of the political leadership and a high national priority to highlight the role of Greece as a pillar of stability and provider of security in the broader region of East Mediterranean and the Balkans.

The contribution of the Armed Forces in the said national effort is implemented through the exercise of an active defence diplomacy, which serves and directly extends to the political field.

Our strong and reliable Armed Forces have undertaken a key role in the promotion of defence synergies and act as a communication channel among the countries of the East Mediterranean and the Balkans.

That’s where the maritime patrol aircraft will help.

But looking at the future, at the Armed Forces of tomorrow, we aim at a robust defence organisation, which will enable our contribution to the collective efforts for security and stability, while at the same time fulfilling our main mission, which is the protection of national integrity and interests.

To achieve this, factoring in the unpredictable challenges of modern times, the transformation and the adjustment of the Armed Forces to the new conditions is the only way forward. At the same time, investment in the development of capabilities is required.

So we only implement the most necessary programmes, such as the F-16 aircraft upgrade, the modernisation of the MEKO type frigates, the reinforcement of the Fleet with additional frigates, the Mirage aircraft upgrade, and the modernisation of the air defence and surveillance system. With total respect for the State and society, we schedule actions to reinforce and modernise the Armed Forces.

This course of action, beyond the immediate and obvious benefit to the capabilities of the Armed Forces, also contributes to the reinforcement of the domestic defence industry.

This is why we make all these efforts for HAI. And not just for HAI, but also for ELVO, for Hellenic Defence Systems, and for the revival of the shipbuilding sector.

Our achievement today is proof of the success of our efforts and sets an example for the development of the domestic industry, which will reap immediate benefits from the repair requirements to increase the availability of Armed Forces assets.

We support the Hellenic Defence Industry.

You can be sure of this.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At this point, I would like to stress that the P-3B maritime patrol aircraft is a unique platform in terms of range, durability, and effectiveness.

The modernisation of maritime patrol aircraft will enable the Hellenic Navy to fully meet future requirements at least until 2040, both at national and international level, in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean.

At the same time, it constitutes a national force multiplier and a strategic advantage for the country.

I would like to congratulate once again HAI and the Hellenic Navy for their efforts, which led to this excellent result.

In conclusion, I avail myself of the opportunity to assure you that the country’s Armed Forces are here, strong, reliable, and reinforce Greece’s role as a pillar of stability and provider of security in the region.

Thank you and I wish all success in the completion of your work and the achievement of the goals set. To the aircrews and the aircraft support personnel, I wish clear skies, safe landings, and all success in their mission.

Thank you very much”.