The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias, visited Floisvos, in Palaion Faliron, on Sunday 9 November 2025, where he attended the Air Demonstration organised by the Hellenic Air Force, in the framework of the celebration events of its Patron Saint, the Archangel Michael.
A 5th generation F-35 fighter from the Italian Air Force participated in the demonstration. Also, a pair of “Rafale” aircraft participated, as well as the Hellenic Air Force Single Aircraft Demonstration Teams F-16 “Zeus”, single aircraft T-6A Texan II “Daedalus”, and historical aircraft T6 “Harvard” and “Spitfire Mk IX”.
A flight capabilities demonstration was also performed by civilian aircraft from the “Sky Express” and “Aegean Airlines” companies.
After the end of the demonstration, the Minister of National Defence stated:
“We celebrate, alongside the Archangels, the day of our Air Force. And I think that the citizens of Athens and Palaion Faliron, had the opportunity, during this demonstration, to realise the huge capabilities our Air Force possesses.
But, mainly, to realise the excellent quality of our personnel. The women and men flying these aircraft. And, flying these aircraft as they do, they provide safety to every Greek citizen. They safeguard our sovereignty and our sovereign rights. They are by society’s side – as we mentioned in Eleusis a few days ago – for our every need.
I thus had the opportunity to congratulate the Chief/HAFGS, and ask him to communicate to all Pilots, Technicians and Personnel, the warmest congratulations, not only mine, but also the Government’s, and all Greek Society’s, for the amazing work they are carrying out.
And a final word. We are at the turning point of an era. We are moving on to F-35s, to drones, to novel capabilities. Yet one thing never changes. The basic mission. The support of every Greek, and our Country.
Many happy returns!”
The celebration was attended by the MP Dionysis Chatzidakis as representative of the Speaker of the Parliament, the Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos, the Minister of Labour and Social Security Niki Kerameus, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Charis Theocharis, and the MP Sophia Voultepsi.
On behalf of the military leadership, the celebration was attended by the Chief/HNDGS, General Dimitrios Choupis, the Chief/HNGS, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras HN, the Chief/HAFGS, Lieutenant General Dimosthenis Grigoriadis, the Commanding General of the Supreme Military Command of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, Lieutenant General Dimitrios Vakentis as representative of the Chief/HAGS.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Head of Region for Athens South Sector Tzina Adamopoulou, the Mayor of Palaion Faliron Giannis Fostiropoulos, the Mayor of Vari – Voula – Vouliagmeni Grigoris Konstantellos, officials from the Civil Aviation Authority, and representatives of entities.
Furthermore, it was attended by Honorary Chiefs, general and senior officers of the Armed Forces, representatives of the Security Forces, the Ambassadors of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri and Ali Khalfan Al-Mansouri, and foreign Defence Attachés.
