On Friday, 27 September 2024, the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, went to Salamis Naval Base in order to visit Frigate “SPETSAI”, just before sailing for the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, where it will join the forces of Operation ASPIDES.
During his visit, Mr. Dendias, accompanied by the Chief HNDGS, General Dimitrios Choupis, and the Chief HNGS, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras HN, was briefed by the Frigate Captain on its mission.
The Minister of National Defence was welcomed by the Deputy Commander of the Hellenic Fleet, Rear Admiral Spyridon Lagaras HN.
Upon conclusion of the briefing, Mr. Dendias addressed the Captain, the cadre, and crew of the Frigate, pointing out the following:
“I will not tell you something that you do not already know; that the geopolitical developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea make the continuation of European Operation ASPIDES absolutely necessary.
ASPIDES, for us Greeks, has an additional use, a crucial national use. It is a step towards the creation of a European Defence Arm. Again, there is no need to explain why Greece has an absolute interest regarding the creation of a Common Defence European Policy and a capability for this Defence European Policy to be implemented by European forces.
Today you, Frigate “SPETSAI” undertakes the work performed until now by Frigate “PSARA”. At this point, I should mention the exemplary manner in which Frigate “PSARA” after “HYDRA” executed its mission.
We are also proud for another reason, that “PSARA” used successfully the pioneer anti-drone system “KENTAVROS” of the Hellenic Aerospace Industry. It is the first anti-drone system with these capabilities produced by our Country, which was used and tested in terms of reliability in real combat conditions.
In a few days, I will present to the Hellenic Parliament in total the anti-drone dome that will be created in our Country. “KENTAVROS” is an important part of it. So, “KENTAVROS” is with you and I hope that it will protect the ship and the ships you escort, with the same success achieved so far.
I also want to stress how important it is for the Navy to have crews trained and having faced real conditions.
As you know, defence capabilities are not an option for our Country. It is a requirement for our national survival. It is a requirement for us to exist, to put it simply.
Of course, the horizons of Greece are and should be wide. This is also a requirement for our national survival.
The horizon of our policy can not only be the Greek-Turkish dispute. Our horizon is the Balkans. Our horizon is the Eastern Mediterranean. Our horizon is North Africa. Our horizon is the Gulf and the Red Sea.
If you like, our horizon, due to the migration issue and many other parameters, is even Sub-Saharan Africa.
So, your presence there, in the Red Sea, is a presence at a location relevant to the interests of the Country and Hellenism.
Also, as I did with your colleagues the first two times I found myself in this position before you, I will not hide what you already know, that your Country sends you to an area where there is risk, a dangerous zone.
But this goes hand in hand with the duty to this Country.
As I said before, Greece has no Armed Forces for parades and ceremonies. Greece has Armed Forces because this constitutes a requirement for survival.
Our thoughts, the wishes of all of us will accompany you in your trip, your patrols. As with the other two frigates, I will come and see you in the Red Sea. I would like to wish you success and a safe return.
What I can say is that, as the General Staff has planned, if everything goes smoothly, with God’s help, you will be back before Christmas.
Again, all the best”.
Concluding his visit to Frigate “SPETSAI”, Mr. Dendias presented to the Captain the icon of the Patron Saint of the Navy, Aghios Nikolaos, and wished the crew all success in their mission.