During his visit on 17 February 2025 aboard the Frigate “HYDRA”, which is participating in the European Operation “ASPIDES” (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) in the Red Sea, the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias, found himself in Abu Dhabi, in the framework of the International Defence Material Exhibition “IDEX & NAVDEX”, where he made a statement to in.gr and reporter Alexandra Fotaki.

Specifically, Mr. Dendias stated:

“I promised to visit all frigates participating in operation “ASPIDES”, and “HYDRA” is in the Red Sea for the second time”.

The Frigate “HYDRA” is here in Abu Dhabi to fly the Greek flag in the framework of the Defence Material Exhibition. It was thus a great opportunity to thank the crew for the services it is offering and congratulate it on its excellent performance. That notwithstanding, the presence of our Frigate in the United Arab Emirates is a reminder that I had the joy and honour to sign the Agreement of Military Cooperation and Strategic Relationship with Prince Sheikh Abdullah, between Greece and the United Arab Emirates.

The United Arab Emirates are a major power in the Gulf, an important country, due to their economic size and performance in innovation and defence innovation. We have much to gain from our presence here and the strengthening of our relations with the United Arab Emirates”.

To a question concerning the presence of Greek companies in the International Defence Material Exhibition “IDEX & NAVDEX 2025”, Mr. Dendias answered:

“It is very pleasant to watch an ever growing Greek presence, Greek companies of the Greek defence ecosystem abroad.

I think that combined with the “2030 Agenda” and the task of promoting innovation, the Hellenic Armed Forces and Greek companies will gain such a size that they will be able to confidently compete in the international marketplace, and ultimately give back to the Greek citizen what is needful. To produce innovative products, innovative technologies, which will allow us to survive threats much greater than us”.

Answering a question concerning the Greece-Turkey relationship, and if there is a chance that Greece will give in to Turkish demands, such as those connected to Athens’s moves concerning research on the underwater electricity cable connecting Greece to Cyprus, Mr. Dendias pointed out:

“The question in Greek is always whether Greece will defend its independence, its sovereignty, and its sovereign rights. I do not know of a Greek government which has not done this.

All Greek governments, in agreement with the Constitution, safeguard Greek sovereignty and Greek sovereign rights. This is the way in which Mitsotakis’ Government operates and will operate, as all Greek governments have done hitherto”.