The Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos has approved the annual action plan of the Ministry of National Defence, which includes the objectives, the actions and initiatives to be implemented during this year and are accompanied by the strategic choices of the Governmental Program.
The aims of the Ministry of National Defence for 2021 are moving towards the following three directions a) Guaranteeing the Defence and the Security of the country b) the optimal utilization of Public Property and c) Promoting the Social Contribution of the Armed Forces.
As far as the first part is concerned 105 armament programs are activated care of the General Staffs and 50 armament programs contracts are signed care of the General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments.
In this context, the Minister of National Defence in cooperation with the Deputy Minister are working to secure sufficiency of defence equipment. Towards this end a Presidential Decree draft shall be issued to regulate matters of the training and operation of the Single Trade Register of Defence Companies, the Defence Research, Technology and Industry Council shall be established and shall take on an institutional role, while the rifle in use, as well as the main multi-purpose vehicle shall be replaced with new ones of enhanced capabilities , with a greater participation of the domestic defence industry. Additionally, the organization of the Nursing Officers School, the Corps Officers Military School and the National Defence College shall be revised. A program to upgrade military service shall be implemented, as well as a training program for the technical personnel of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence .
Moreover, the Minister aspires to the reorganisation of the Command and Organisation System of the Armed Forces and provides the guidelines for mild actions which presuppose the harmonious cooperation of the pillars of power, constantly promoting at international level the national positions and our national sovereignty. This strategy includes initiatives such as the increase of the number of university inductees to the Supreme Military Training Institutions and the Supreme NCO Military Schools, the hiring of Professional Soldiers and Short-term Enlisted Men, as well as the new institutional framework for the National Guard.
As far as enhancing the Social Contribution of the Armed Forces is concerned, the Ministry of National Defence has assisted the state mechanism by providing means, assets and personnel, so that the Armed Forces effectively correspond to the emerging challenges in the field of health, especially amidst such a health crisis caused by “Covid-19”.
By decision of the Political Leadership, the Armed Forces assist the Civil Protection system by providing means, assets and personnel, and by contributing to restoration projects following natural disasters. Additionally, they safeguard the capabilities of our country in managing the challenges emerging from the migration crisis and they upgrade the borders surveillance mechanisms. As far as current infrastructures are concerned the ones concerning air transports are upgraded, by responsibility of the Ministry of National Defence. Finally, a comprehensive plan to promote the cultural impact of the Armed Forces Actions is on the cards.
