Evros changes … level – electronic “eyes”, American “beasts”, sonic

The visit of the prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the co-responsible ministers to Evros was of great significance.

The trip to the border took place at a time when the government wants to send an emphatic message that Greece is guarding its borders intact and is making no concessions in defending its sovereign rights.

The Ministries of Civil Protection and National Defense have prepared a comprehensive plan for the operational improvement of the Greek forces, artificial barriers and equipment on the Greek-Turkish land border.

The plan was drawn up after the “opening of the border” by Turkey last March, an action that was an “awakening” for the Greek authorities.

The plan is based on six main pillars.

-The first is the construction of the new fence, five meters high and 26 kilometers long, which will consist of a strong metallic steel railing. The upper part of the fence will be formed by a smooth flat sheet with an anti-climbing function, while projections for barbed wire will be adapted. It is observed that the piles on which the fence will be based are founded at a depth of six meters. The project will cost 62.9 million euros and is expected to be delivered in eight months. At the same time, work will be done to improve the existing 10 km long fence as it has been damaged. Specifically, it will be reinforced with the incorporation of a four-meter-high steel railing.

-The second pillar refers to the construction of observatories. More specifically, along the new artificial barrier, eight anti-ballistic (elevated) observatories will be built. From these, the Greek authorities will have a better overview of the suspicious movements, while the drones on the Turkish side, which increased their presence at the border last March, will be immediately perceived. At the same time, improvement works will be carried out on 57 existing infrastructures (outposts / observatories). Works include construction and electromechanical improvements.

Electronic “eyes”

– The third pillar will be electronic surveillance of the border. The relevant ministries plan to improve the “eyes” of the Greek authorities in the “sensitive” areas. It is essentially an update of the existing electronic surveillance with cameras, drones and other means. The Turkish side is “running” similar programs that try to “scan” the edge of Evros. The objective of the Greek authorities is to create a complete and modern electronic surveillance system (both the Army and the Police will have access), which will give a clear “live” image of the borders 24 hours a day in business centers .

-The fourth pillar refers to the supply and operation of sound systems. These are devices purchased from EL.AS. recently and were transferred to Evros. These systems produce sounds that can be “turned” in the direction desired by the user of the device. The “special” sounds do not cause bodily harm, however, they act as a deterrent for anyone looking to navigate to the side where the sound system is installed.

American “beast”

As for the Armed Forces, Evros will be reinforced with armored vehicles. These are the famous armors of the US Army, which are awarded to Greece, within the framework of the signing of the Pact of Mutual Military Cooperation between the two countries. M1117 vehicles are known internationally as the “Guardian”. Greece will receive around 80 of them, most of which will end up at the Evros border. The M1117 has an advanced shielding system, with a combination of exterior ceramic materials and anti-fracture coating. In some cases, these vehicles can even withstand an anti-tank rocket (RPG) fire.

Finally, there will be support for human resources. A total of 400 new border guards are taking over the next term of functions in Evros. The objective of the Ministry of Civil Protection is that the staff, who will provide services there permanently, is sufficient to cover even emergencies. That is, not needing to move a large number of uniforms to Evros, as happened last March, in case an emergency treaty is required.