Nikos Dendias

The reference on Wednesday by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias to the need for a protective anti-aircraft system brought back to the fore a debate which has being continuing at the level of the country's military leadership over the last few years - long before the demonstration of Israel's capabilities against enemy missiles and rockets.

Greece has plans to develop an air defense system akin to Israel's sophisticated Iron Dome, aimed at safeguarding the country against airborne threats, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias told Skai TV Wednesday.

As a strategic partner of Israel, and also a country with traditional ties with the Muslim world, Greece, a NATO and European Union member in close proximity to the Middle East, is monitoring the latest developments in the region and is ready to play any role that may be deemed necessary.

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias met with US Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, Jessica Lewis, and US Ambassador to Athens, George Tsunis, at the National Defense Ministry in Athens on Monday. 

Parliament on Tuesday will approve the procurement program for 35 Black Hawk (UH-60M) helicopters at a total cost of 1.15 billion euros, with Defense Minister Nikos Dendias stressing on Monday that by 2030 Greece country should have 200 4.5- and 5th-generation aircraft, envisioning a fleet of F-16 Vipers, Rafales and F-35s.

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias outlined the government's plan for restructuring the Armed Forces under the "Agenda 2030" on Monday, emphasizing fighter jet acquisition, Navy Fleet enhancement and the domestic defense industry's role in autonomous systems and missile defense.

Greece's Armed Forces are undergoing a radical overhaul in what the prime minister has described as the "biggest reform program in the history of the modern Greek state," Defense Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed on Monday.

Students will be taking part in parades all over Greece on Monday to mark the 203rd anniversary of the 1821 revolution against Ottoman rule.

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias spoke over the phone with his Turkish counterpart Yasar Güler on Wednesday after the crash of the F-16 fighter jet, off the small island of Psathoura, in the northern Aegean.

It is necessary to promote a rapprochement between Greece and Turkey but "no illusions" are allowed, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Wednesday, as the Hellenic Navy welcomed three new US-made Romeo MH-60R Seahawk helicopters in its assets.