Greece’s Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, will travel to the United Kingdom on Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17, for an official visit focused on defense cooperation and NATO-related issues.
During the visit, Dendias is scheduled to meet with British Defense Secretary John Healey. The two ministers are expected to discuss matters related to NATO and broader cooperation between Greece and the United Kingdom across several defense sectors.
Parliamentary Committee to Review Defense Programs
At the same time in Athens, the Hellenic Parliament’s Committee on Armament Programs and Contracts will convene on Monday, March 16. Because of Dendias’ absence, the Ministry of National Defense will be represented by Deputy Defense Minister Athanasios Davakis.
One of the key topics on the committee’s agenda will be a new procedure concerning Follow On Support (FOS) contracts. Under the proposed change, FOS agreements — which cover technical support and maintenance after the purchase of military equipment — will no longer be funded through the operating budgets of the armed forces’ branches. Instead, they will become separate contracts included as part of each defense procurement agreement.
According to information available, the change is intended to improve transparency in defense procurement. In the past, there have been cases within the armed forces — including one involving helicopter fleets — where equipment could not be deployed because a technical support contract had not been signed after the initial purchase.
Committee members will also receive an update on the progress of major defense procurement programs. Particular attention will be given to developments related to the “Achilles Shield” project, while briefings are also expected on the F-35 fighter jet program and other initiatives.
Dendias Holds Call With French Defense Minister
Earlier today, Dendias held a lengthy phone conversation with his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, as part of regular consultations between Greece and France.
During the call, the Greek minister expressed condolences for the death of a French officer in Erbil. The two ministers also reviewed developments in Iran and the broader Middle East.
In addition, they exchanged views on strengthening naval cooperation between Greece and France, with a focus on safeguarding freedom of navigation. Discussions also touched on the renewal and expansion of the Strategic Partnership Agreement for Cooperation in Defense and Security between the two countries.
