The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias participated today, Wednesday 17 September, in a National Security Governmental Council meeting, under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
After the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Dendias, answering journalists’ questions on matters concerning the Ministry of National Defence which were discussed, stated:
“Official statements will be made, as usual. Insofar, regarding the Ministry of National Defence, the main matters are two. The first is the approval of the amendment to the Structure of Forces, which has been voted by the competent committee of the Parliament, and has been approved today by the National Security Governmental Council.
It concerns the disbanding of the 1st Army, the reinforcement of the Army Inspectorate General, which is being transferred to Larisa, the creation of an integrated Information Directorate at the level of HNDGS as well as, among others, the creation of a Directorate for Unmanned Vehicles in the Hellenic Navy.
Furthermore, the 4th frigate, “Themistocles”, was presented. The Bill is already complete, and will be submitted to Parliament today. “Themistocles” is not simply the 4th frigate. The standard type of frigate, as agreed in 2020, was the Belharra Standard 2. “Themistocles” is a Belharra Standard 2++. He fields 1+10 enhanced capabilities. One of them are ballistic missiles, the latest type of the ELSA Programme currently being developed. Also, in the same framework, the previous three frigates will attain the Standard 2++ level.
JOURNALIST: Was the “Piri Reis” mentioned?
N. DENDIAS: I believe there has been much ado. The Armed Forces’ exercise falls within the framework of surprise exercises held annually. They are unrelated to “Piri Reis”, and “Piri Reis” has not concerned the National Security Governmental Council.
JOURNALIST: Is its’ presence troubling us nevertheless?
N. DENDIAS: Have a look at its’ picture, and you will understand why it was not discussed today.
