Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos has clarified Greece’s decision to further reinforce its defensive capabilities. In an interview with Kathimerini Sunday edition, he said that “we can expect decisions on new corvettes, the acquisition of new guided missiles from Israel and upgrades of Block 50 F-16 fighter jets and Leopard battle tanks.”
He also stated that relations with France and the United States are strengthening.
He pointed out that the United States is interested in including the country in the next-generation F-35 fighter jet program, while Greece has asked that the US consider supplying it with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and arms of “high operational value.”
On the decision to send defensive materiel to Ukraine, the minister stressed that there is no time for “yes but” when there is a European war raging.
He also believes that the Russian invasion of Ukraine will have an impact on relations between Greece and Turkey without it necessarily meaning that the situation will be exacerbated, highlighting that Greece is both a member of NATO and the European Union.
Full interview kathimerini here.
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