The Minister of National Defense, Mr. Nikos Panagiotopoulos, made important revelations, as he talked about the acquisition of Rafale fighters, the French frigates, but also the propable acquisition of F-35s.
"The procedures and framework for the supply of 18 Rafale were prepared by the Ministry of National Defense in record time. The design of the new Force structure envisages the supply of 40 aircraft. We are already moving forward with the first 18. It is now clear that Greece is strengthening", he said.
"Apart from ships and planes, we also need human resources in the Armed Forces. 15,000 OBA and EΠOΠ will be enlisted in the Armed Forces. The number of students admitted to the productive Military Schools of Officers and NCOs in the three Arms is increasing. The first Rafale will be delivered to the Air Force this summer.
At the same time, the most official lips are now confirming the information that our Air Force is becoming more powerful by acquiring another Rafale squadron and at the same time proceeding with the acquisition of the american 5th generation stealth aircraft F-35.
"The decision to purchase 5th generation fighter jets is a one-way street and the procedures must definitely proceed in the coming years", he added, announcing the start of negotiations with the United States for the acquisition of the world's best 5th generation F-35 fighter jets yet.
In particular, he said: "Sooner or later we will enter the discussion for a 5th generation aircraft, which is the F35 and of course more Rafale are not excluded".
The next issue to be discussed is the naval armament program, which the Minister of National Defense stressed is a "pleasant problem" because many proposals have fallen "on the table", from Spain, the Netherlands, the USA, while the proposal of France is also expected, as Florence Parly herself assured.
But what the leadership of the Ministry of National Defense is looking for is a "package proposal", which in addition to building new frigates of a new type, with the active involvement of Greek shipyards, the contracting country will be able to deliver an "intermediate solution", ie used, but in good condition and to some extent upgraded, as in the case of France.
