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The immediate delivery of a squad of 18 French Rafale fighters, an ambitious program to modernize all branches of the army and increase the army by 15,000, was announced today in Thessaloniki by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek media and world agencies reported.
Mitsotakis made the remarks amid rising tensions with Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean, AFP reported.
“The time has come to strengthen our armed forces. This is an important program that will form a national shield,” Mitsotakis said in a speech in Thessaloniki. He added that the program would create thousands of new jobs.
According to ANA-MPA and the Sky TV channel, in his speech Mitsotakis announced six main solutions, which, as he himself stated, “multiply the power, functionality and efficiency of the Greek weapon.”
First, the Greek Air Force immediately acquired a squad of 18 Rafale fighters to replace the older Mirage. These are fighters of the so-called generation 4.5. According to the Greek Prime Minister, this measure will strengthen the deterrent force of the Greek Air Force, which, in combination with the modernized F-16, cannot be ignored by anyone.
Secondly, the Greek Navy initiated a procedure to introduce weapons into the fleet of 4 new multifunctional frigates. At the same time, the MEKO frigates, which are already in service, will be modernized. Along with the new ships, four ROMEO naval helicopters will be delivered, “the most capable in the world,” as Mitsotakis emphasized.
Third, the arsenal of the three types of troops will be enriched. New anti-tank weapons for the ground forces, new torpedoes for the navy and new guided missiles for the Air Force will be provided immediately.
Fourth, the potential of the Greek Armed Forces will be strengthened by recruiting 15,000 new troops over the next five years, while the entire framework of military education is reassessed, which will provide free certified civilian skills.
Fifth, the Greek military-industrial complex will be activated. US capital is already investing in the modernization of the Elefsina shipyard. A strategic investor will soon enter the Scaramanga shipyard. The military car plant will be privatized in the near future and the Greek aircraft company will be reorganized to become an aircraft maintenance center for the entire region.
Sixth, the Greek armed forces will strengthen their digital functions and protect themselves from hybrid-type cyberattacks.
NATO members Turkey and Greece are arguing over fossil fuel deposits in the eastern Mediterranean in an area where Athens says it has sovereign rights.
Today, Mitsotakis accused Turkey of threatening Europe’s eastern borders and endangering regional security.
Tensions between the two countries have risen after Turkey sent a seismic and warship to the area claimed by Greece on August 10, prompting Athens to launch naval exercises.
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