A new “bioclimatic” façade erected around the main building housing the national defense ministry was inaugurated on Wednesday evening in the presence of much of the country’s political leadership and past ministers.
The project, designed by noted sculptor and arts professor Costas Varotsos, marks a new era for the site, known as Greece’s “Pentagon”, which now feature a modern, energy-efficient and unique appearance. The new facade faces a monument to the more than 121,000 identified men and women who fell in battle while fighting for the Greek armed forces.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
A new building being constructed next to the “Pentagon” is the ministry’s new cyber warfare HQ. to the upgraded main building.
The new bioclimatic façade was financed by a donation from Metlen Energy & Metals and its CEO and chairman, Evangelos Mytilineos.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cited what he said was “…the most ambitious modernization program in the history of the armed forces that is underway,” with a budget over the next 12 years expected to exceed 28 billion euro.
The prime minister made special reference to the acquisition of new Rafale fighter jets, F-16 Vipers, and soon-to-be-delivered F-35s, emphasizing that the Hellenic Air Force is acquiring “strategic deterrent superiority.”
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias.
He also referred to the modernization of the Hellenic Navy with four new Belharra frigates and the integration of unmanned aircraft, noting that “the armed forces are being strengthened and modernized as never before.”
“Defending our homeland is not only about the power of our weapons but also the power of our heritage and identity. The monumental sculpture by Costas Varotsos for the 121,000 dead who fell for the freedom of the country is impressive,” he emphasized.
