On Wednesday, April 30, at the presence of the Minister of National Defence Dimitris Avramopoulos and the Alternate Minister of National Defence Fofi Gennimata, an agreement between the Hellenic Armed Forces and the Hellenic Defence Systems S.A., for the manufacture by the HDS of modern munitions certified by NATO, to supply of the Hellenic Army.
The signing of the agreement for the purchase of 256,000 type 40mm munitions, worth 18.5 million euro, marks a new era for the safety of the Armed Forces’ supply, the Hellenic Defence Systems and the Greek defence agency in general.
The agreement, which is the first one for the company after four years, was signed by the HDS Managing Director Sotiris Christogiannis and the General Director of General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) Dimitris Georgiopoulos. The signing ceremony was also attended by the president of the HDA Board of Directors Ioannis Demiris, as well as company members.
After signing the agreement, the Minister of National Defence Dimitris Avramopoulos stated:
“The Ministry of National Defence, consistent to our commitment, attempts the preservation of the Hellenic Defence Industry, during this transitional period until the completion of procedures concerning its reorganisation.
Today’s agreement proves the confidence of the Greek Government and the Ministry of National Defence to the capabilities of the Greek defence industry. It is also an important step towards the reform and sustainability of the Hellenic Defence Systems and another powerful message of recovery, growth and progress of Greek economy.
We must continue our effort. We have a few months ahead of us to prove and confirm our public commitment to the Parliament, that the HDS can and must be saved. Maybe some express doubt and suspicions. We believe that we can make it.
The country’s defence industry is a national capital thanks to the existing capabilities. Our country constructs advanced technology systems, equal and competitive to their respective ones in the global markets.
This is the reason why we should enhance extroversion, participate in international fairs supporting and promoting the Greek defence industry, jointly with the private sector, boosting at the same time SMEs, so as to vigorously re-enter the quality, growth and competitiveness market“.
On her side, the Alternate Minister of National Defence Fofi Gennimata stated:
“Thank you all for your efforts. We actively support the HDS strategic planning. The course of this company recompenses the Government’s political choice to struggle for its rescue.
After four years of this contract freezing in the drawers, the coordinated efforts by the HDS new management, the General Staffs, the apposite Directorate and the Ministry’s political leadership, finally bear fruit.
Today’s signing is only the beginning. The HDS close deals with other companies and with foreign countries as well, and they also participate in domestic procurements. Even the most pessimistic today are finally smiling“.
