There is strong concern among the Turks about European funds that will flow into the Greek defense industry, as stated in a relevant article by the reputable media of the neighboring country, which points out:
It is claimed that 60 to 80 million euros of financial support will be given to Greece's defense industry from European Union (EU) funds.
In a related news released, it was emphasized that after the start of the war in Ukraine, the needs for military equipment increased in Europe, while it is claimed that 60 to 80 million euros will be allocated for the Greek defense industry systems from the distribution of European funds that will be used in the context of efforts to strengthen the European defense industry.
The decision was made following the visit of the EU member for defense industry, Thierry Breton, to Greece last week.
In the news, it has been argued that if such a decision is implemented, it will be a significant resource for Greek defense systems and munitions factories in Lavrio.
Breton announced at a press conference in Brussels yesterday that the "munitions production support" bill is being prepared to boost ammunition stocks that are being depleted by ammunition sent to Ukraine because of the war with Russia.
Recalling that with the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war, European countries provided a significant amount of ammunition to Ukraine, Breton pointed out the importance of sending artillery shells to Ukraine.
Noting that Europe needs to increase its ammunition production to offset its dwindling stockpiles, Breton said: "We want to immediately support the development of our defense industry with EU financial resources for Ukraine and our own security." "
From the above we understand the intense Turkish concern that prevails for the development of the Greek defense industry, since 2022 was an exceptional year for it and the Armed Forces of our country.
A fixed goal is for the Greek defense industry to become functional, competitive and above all outward-looking, covering as much as possible a percentage of domestic needs and contributing to the development of the economy.
Efforts in this area are continuous and systematic. The ODA, for example, currently has significant involvement in the program to upgrade the F-16s to the Viper version, as well as the P-3 naval cooperation aircraft.
These results were achieved thanks to the initiatives of the last three years, through which the recruitment of personnel was launched to cover urgent needs, the exemption of the company's employees from mobility in the public sector, and above all its modernization, through corporate governance. Corresponding is the aid to EAS ABEE, which is implemented through the acceleration of the processes of pending contracts and the resolution of chronic problems.
The relocation of EAS Ymittos, as part of the implementation of the unique government park, is also on track. In addition, the equipment programs agreed with France create many subcontracting opportunities for Greek companies, especially in the Belharra frigate construction program.
In this context, there is cooperation and significant sub-construction work will be given to Greek companies. Contracts have already been signed, not only for a project related to the construction of our own frigates, but also for the inclusion of domestic companies in the "Naval Group" manufacturing chain for all Belharra frigates. The exact same practice is followed with the rest of the companies involved, such as "MBDA" and "Thales".
Of course, targeting the strengthening of the Greek defense industry is not one-dimensional and is not only related to the sub-construction projects from supplies implemented to cover our immediate needs. It is based on a holistic design that takes shape through a specific road map, which has strong European and generally international dimensions.
Innovation can be the vehicle for the rapid transition to the cutting edge of technology and therefore, the participation of our country in research and development programs is a priority. In this way, we are investing in building know-how, which will allow the companies of the Greek defense industry to automatically join the production chains of the resulting products.
The participation of Greek companies in the latest programs of the European Defense Fund is very large. The Greek "entities" participate in many proposals of the 1st cycle of the European Defense Fund, in several of which they are in fact in charge.
Apart from the obvious benefit for our country and speaking only in financial terms, the net profit of the Greek economy from the programs in question, which will be paid by the European Union Budget to Greek companies, always amounts to tens of millions of euros.
Also, the Ministry of Defense has a dynamic presence in the "DIANA" program and the "Innovation Fund", two "tools" of NATO that aim to maintain the Alliance as a leading force in the field of defense innovation.
