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The increase in appropriations for weapons programs increases by 2 billion euros, at a rate of 375% compared to this year’s spending, he announced in his speech on Budget for 2021 the Minister of National Defense.
THE Nikos Panagiotopoulos referring to the programs to be executed in 2021, such as Burst, which will come with their weapons, the supply of four frigates and the MEKO modernization program, the acquisition of four Romeo helicopters, new anti-tank weapons and new remote control weapons.
Specifically, Mr. Panagiotopoulos Announced:
- The total budget of the Ministry of National Defense for 2021 is increased by about 2,100 million euros, to 5,440 million euros, or 63% compared to the current year (it was 3,500 million euros this year), subject to a further strengthening during the year of the special reserve, in cooperation with the General State Accounting Office. This fact brings them Armed forces in the period 2000-2010.
- The amount of 2,520 million euros is pre-marked in weapons expenses, that is, an increase of 375% compared to 2020. This year the expenses were only 520 million euros, that is, the corresponding credits increase in 2021 by 2,000 millions of euros.
- Increase in staff compensation by 4.8%, by € 110 million, to € 2.4 billion
- The operating expenses of the Ministry of National Defense remain the same as in 2020, at 480 million euros.
- Contracting of 1,600 EPOP and 1,000 OBA, a total of 2,600 EPOP / OBA in 2021
- Starting next academic year and for a period of five years, 1,335 students will be admitted to the productive Officer and NCO schools of all Branches per year, compared to 819 in recent years.
In terms of weapons, within 2021 the combat program will be executed. Burst. According to the minister, the contract will be presented to Parliament in a few days, commenting on how our good relations with France were what led to the agreement being implemented in just three months.
For the provision French frigates He said that the matter is still open and that we look forward to a satisfactory intermediate solution. He described it, in fact, as an important process that is running for the next period for weapons programs.
Within 2021, the programs will also run:
a) modernization of 4 frigates MEKO-200 of the Navy for the Navy,
b) supply of new torpedoes and improvement of old ones for submarines;
(c) purchase of new Romeo antisubmarine helicopters;
d) new anti-tank weapons for the Army,
(e) new guided missiles of various types for the Air Force;
(f) new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for the Air Force and the Navy;
(g) “National Rifle”,
h) “National vehicle”.
“We take no chances”
THE Nikos Panagiotopoulos reported that the Armed forces are under increased surveillance due to turkish provocation. “With the most provocative and equipped neighbor, we take no chances,” he characteristically said.
The Minister of National Defense also commented on the results of the EU Summit regarding Turkey, reiterating the government’s position.
“We did not celebrate, nor did we triumph, nor did we cry for the Summit. “Europe is operating at a slow pace,” he said, adding that both at the EU and NATO level and after the efforts of the Foreign Minister, Turkey is in a worse position than anyone else.
