The need for greater cooperation in the field of defense between Western powers was underlined by the speakers of the thematic discussion moderated by the journalist of SKAI and kathimerini.gr, Mr. Stavros Ioannidis, during the last day of the 9th Delphi Economic Forum which took place in Delphi, 10-13 April, and was held under the auspices of the A.E. of the President of the Republic, Mrs. Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

Mr. Nikolaos Papatsas, Senior Partner EFA GROUP and President of the Hellenic Aerospace Security & Defense Industries Group (HASDIG / EEΛEAA) stressed that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a huge shock for the leaders of Europe, since for almost 2 decades Europeans believed that there will never again be a large-scale war with conventional forces on the European continent, with the result that the necessary investments in the defense sector, including those to strengthen its military power through the purchase of new systems, are not implemented. The Russian invasion changed this perception and forced the EU member states to launch in 2022 a huge armament program to fill the gaps that had been created in previous years.

Mr. Papatsas explained that the EU, by implementing a collective policy, has started a long-term process of strengthening the European defense industry in order to increase its capabilities and productivity with the aim of achieving industrial and defense self-sufficiency. Although Europe has always wished to have its own foreign and defense policy, the Russian invasion of Ukraine demonstrated Europe’s considerable dependence on NATO for its security against enemies with major conventional powers such as Russia.

In this collective effort of the EU, for the repositioning and strengthening of the European defense industry, the Greek Defence Industry can contribute to specific sectors, such as Munitions, Electro-Optical Systems (Night Vision, Thermal), Communications, and C4ISR Systems. In these areas, the Greek Defence Industry has proven that it cannot only meet the needs of the Greek Armed Forces, but also achieve significant exports to international competitive markets.

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