Hellenic Military News

HELLENIC MILITARY NEWS

This section is devoted to showing you Hellenic and Hellenic Cypriot Military news.
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Blue Berets For The Greek Soldiers In 2002 
 
Nov 01, 2001: Posted 10:11:13 EST, 15:11:13 GMT

The Greek soldiers and petty officers will be wearing dark blue berets with a national emblem embroidered on them after a decision by the Supreme Military Council to abolish the forage-cap.

The decision is aiming at the aesthetic improvement of the appearance of the military personnel and it was made after a research conducted among the ground forces personnel.

Special Nuclear-Biochemical Defense Branch Created

A Special Branch of Nuclear-Biochemical Defense, which could offer support to citizens if needed, is being created by the General Army Staff.

The creation of the special Nuclear-Biological-Chemical Defense branch, gives the Armed Forces staff the ability to arm themselves with a technological adequacy, enough to deal with the contingency of a nuclear, biochemical war, and further broaden the armament of the Military.

A relevant statement was made yesterday by Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos in view of the General Army Staff decision.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos mentioned that the Armed Forces already have the necessary equipment, a fact marked by their missions in Kossovo and Bosnia, when such problems arose.

The special branch will have the responsibility to provide support in case of severe environmental pollution. "In the international environment, the most serious threats are firstly chemical and biological, while nuclear is considered secondary in importance in today's reality", as is mentioned in a G.A.S. announcement.

Psychological support to the population, in case of a biochemical strike, will be taken up by a special Health Ministry committee.

Hospital of the last resort
Thessaloniki unit will function even after a nuclear or chemical war

By Stavros Tzimas Kathimerini
Thessaloniki, already an important commercial, industrial and military hub in the Balkans, is to be upgraded further with the construction of an ultramodern military hospital that will be able to function even in the event of chemical or nuclear war. The hospital's purpose will be to serve the needs of military operations even in the broader region.

According to the plans, the hospital will have 420 beds in times of peace, while another 300 will be stored in the basement to offer total safety in the event of a nuclear or chemical war.

In addition to the nuclear and chemical shelters, there are also plans for helicopter pads for Chinook helicopters, independent systems for the provision of water and electricity, electronic systems, a computer system for charting operational costs, fortified underground corridors linking buildings, and more.

Laying the foundation stone for the hospital at Nea Efkarpia, northwest of Thessaloniki, last month, then Defense Minister Akis Tsochadzopoulos said, "The new military hospital in Thessaloniki is in a position to meet whatever needs should arise in the Balkan region and anywhere else."

Military sources said the functioning of such a hospital unit represents the military upgrading of Thessaloniki. The city will effectively be transformed into a strategic bridge into Southeastern Europe for NATO when one considers this alongside the use of the city's port as a supply depot for the troops in the region and the imminent establishment of multinational headquarters on the grounds of the Third Army Corps.

The same sources said it was almost certain that in times of crisis the hospital would be used to support the allied forces engaged in operations in Southeastern Europe in view of its ultramodern equipment as well as its secure geographical position.

"Northern Greece is becoming the center of strategic security for the country's armed forces," Tsochadzopoulos said.

The hospital is expected to open in 2005. The estimated cost is 61 billion drachmas.

Military Exercise "Parmenion 2001" Is Underway

Sep 26, 2001: Posted 10:05:47 EST, 15:05:47 GMT

The military exercise "Parmenion 2001" got underway in Evros, northeastern Greece today with the participation of army units from the 4th Army Corps and a large number of reserves.

The exercise will last seven days and its final phase will be held in the presence of president Kostis Stephanopoulos on October 2.

Live ammunition will be used in the final phase of the exercise and local residents will be able to watch it from the observation post in the region of Psilos Stavros.

Greece Gets Two Spy Planes

Sep 24, 2001: Posted 12:03:59 EST, 17:03:59 GMT

Two Swedish-made spy aircraft that will patrol over the Aegean Sea were received by Greece today. Their presentation was made in Elefsina by defense minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos.

In statements he made, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stressed that the way in which the European Union and NATO states will cooperate with the United States to respond to the recent terrorist attacks on US soil can not be determined yet.

Greek soldiers head for FYROM
Advance party of 100 to prepare for deployment of battalion contributing to NATO's weapons-collection mission

By Costis Fafoutis
Kathimerini

An advance party of 100 Greek soldiers was to leave the Alesta-Louka military camp at Polykastro, Kilkis, this morning to prepare for the rest of a mechanized infantry battalion that will constitute Greece's contribution to the NATO military force in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The company, under the battalion commander, will use M-113 armored personnel carriers to get to FYROM in order to prepare for the deployment of the full Greek force of 350 officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers serving on five-year contracts. The advance party will reconnoiter and secure the area where the Greek battalion will camp, a tank firing range of the FYROM army.

NATO gave the final go-ahead yesterday for Operation Essential Harvest, in which a 3,500-strong allied force is to collect weapons handed over voluntarily by ethnic Albanian rebels. Greek general staff plans are for the Greek battalion to be in place by Saturday, as the weapons collection process is to begin on Monday.

The 525 Mechanized Battalion will be based at Krivolak in southern FYROM, on the national road between the border with Greece at Gevgelija and Skopje, the capital. Advance parties of other NATO countries' troops will fly to Skopje, while their heavy equipment will pass through the port of Thessaloniki in the next few days.

The collecting of weapons will begin on Monday because, under terms of the peace agreement signed by the government and Slav-Macedonian parties signed with the ethnic Albanian parties, one third of the rebels' weapons will have to have been gathered by August 31, the day that the Parliament of the neighboring country is to begin the process of revising its constitution.

The NATO mission's command has set out five weapons collections sites (WCS) at Kumanovo, Tetovo, Depar and Krivolak. Emphasis will be placed on collecting heavier weapons such as mortars, anti-tank missiles, mines and machine guns. The weapons will then be handed over to the Greek force, which will transport them to Greece so that they may be destroyed at the Halyvourgiki steel works at Aspropyrgos near Athens.

The NATO commander's orders for the mission describe precisely the rules of engagement for alliance soldiers on the mission. According to sources, these say that if troops are attacked they will respond and defend themselves, but will stay out of any hostilities between the government forces and rebels.

"Every one of our soldiers has the right to self-defense," a senior staff officer in Athens said. He stressed that the mission's objective was to collect weapons and see that the peace agreement was adhered to. Defense Ministry sources said that the mission ran the risk of danger, as does every military mission, but that at this moment the risk factor was low.

Greek troops have been deployed in Bosnia since 1995 and in Kosovo since mid-1999. There is also a small Greek military presence in Albania, as most of the troops sent there in 1997 returned last year.

Construction starts at HDW on submarines for Greek Navy 
Sea Power; Washington; May 2001; Anonymous;

By pushing a button, Greece's Minister of Defense, Apostolos-Athanasios Tsochatzopoulos, started the welding-at the HDW (HowaldtswerkeDeutsche Werft) yard in Kiel, Germany-of the first frames that will be used in the construction, for the Greek Navy, of the first of its new Type 214 submarines.

The boat is the first HDW submarine equipped with a fuel cell for airindependent propulsion (AIP) for an export customer. HDW's executive vice president Hannfried Haun said that about 500 HDW employees will be engaged in the building of the submarines for five years. There also will be work for nearly 2,000 employees in the components industry over the same period, HDW officials said.

HDW, Ferrostaal, and Hellenic Shipyards signed a contract in February for the construction of three submarines of the new class. The first of the three submarines is being built in Kiel; the next two will be built by Hellenic Shipyards at Skaramanga, near Athens. Thyssen Nordseewerke is a major participant in the design and construction of the submarines.

The delivery of the first submarine is scheduled for 2005. The order also includes an option for a fourth boat, which also would be built in Greece. Ferrostaal and HDW would benefit from considerable offset business, officials said. "So, among other things, Hellenic Shipyards will be extended to become a submarine yard," HDW officials said.

The Type 214 was developed by HDW and combines the advantages of the well-proven Type 209 series and the latest Type 212 building for the German and Italian navies. The oceangoing Type 214 submarines, which feature fuel-cell technology, will be 65 meters long, displace about 1,700 tons, and require a crew of about 35 officers and men. The boat's main armament will be eight 21-inch torpedo tubes.

Naval Exercise "Lailaps 2001" Begins On Tuesday 
Apr 23, 2001

A medium-scale Greek Navy exercise code-named "Lailaps 2001" will get underway tomorrow in various parts of the Aegean Sea.

The exercise, to be held until April 27, will also feature a memorial service held on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the sinking of Greek ships by the German air force.

Honors will be bestowed on crewmembers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

Greece Planning to Purchase More Russian Tor-M1 Missiles
ABU DHABI, Mar 19, 2001 (Itar-Tass via COMTEX) -- Greece is planning to buy more Russian anti-aircraft missile complexes of the Tor-M1 type. A new contract worth more than 700 million U.S. dollars is expected to be signed shortly in addition to the earlier concluded contracts on the delivery of thirty-one Tor-M1 systems, which add up to 820 million U.S. dollars, Itar-Tass has learned from a source within the Greek military delegation to the IDEX-2001 International Armaments Show, which is currently under way in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Director-General of the Russian Antei Concern Yuri Svirin told Itar-Tass that this plan of the Greek defence ministry is obviously due to the fact that Antei always fulfills on time all the deliveries of Tor-M1 complexes to Greece in keeping with the earlier concluded contracts. The two series of Tor-M1 firing tests in Greece have fully proved the designed tactical and technical characteristics of the complex, while its hit probability topped the calculated figure. The quality of the training of Greek crews, which was organised by the Russia side, allows for the round-the-clock use of Tor-M1 systems in any weather conditions.

By Dmitry Zelenin and Nikolai Novichkov

Russia Delivers Tor-M1 Surface-To-Air Systems to Greece. .
MOSCOW, February 17 (Itar-Tass) - Russia's leading producer of air-defence systems, the concern Antei, on Saturday completed the delivery of Tor-M1 surface-to-air systems to Greece.

Three flights performed by the airline Volga-Dnepr from Ulyanovsk delivered two Tor-M1 systems, two Ranzhir command posts, loading devices, technical maintenance means, simulators, guided surface-to-air missiles, spare parts, components and other commodities, a military-diplomatic source told Itar-Tass.

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Greece Successfully Tests Russian-Made Missiles
ATHENS (Jan. 23) XINHUA - Greece Tuesday successfully tested four Russian-made Tor/M1 anti-aircraft missiles at the firing range on the southern Greek island of Crete.

The four missiles fired by Greek army personnel hit an airborne target, the semi-official Athens News Agency (ANA) reported.

Greece has purchased a total of 21 Tor/M1 units, which have a search radar and can hit two targets at the same time.

The Tor/M1 can strike at a maximum range of 12 kilometers.

Russian Anti-Acft Missile Systems Undergo Tests in Greece. .
MOSCOW, January 19 (Itar-Tass) - The Russian anti-aircraft missile systems Tor-M1, supplied to the Greek army by the Antaeus company last year, undergo firing range testing in Greece. The testing involves four missile systems and a battery command post Ranger, which controls the missile systems, a military-diplomatic source told Itar-Tass on Friday.

The tests of the Tor-M1 are to be held in two stages. During the first stage, which draws to a close on the Peloponnesus peninsula on Friday, air targets are spotted by the radar stations of the missile complexes and tracked amid radio- electronic interference. However, the missile systems do not fire on the spotted targets.

During the second stage, which will take place on Crete island next week, combat missiles will be fired at air targets. In the coming days, all the Tor missile systems and the battery command point will be transferred from Peloponnesus to Crete and prepared for field firing.

The Contract For The Purchase Of Four "Super Puma" Helicopters Will Be Signed 
Dec 21, 2000

The contract with the French company "Eurocopter" for the purchase of four search and rescue "Super Puma" helicopters will be signed this evening by Greek minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos, the ministry's general director on armaments Giorgos Koliris and company representative Werner Weis.

The first two helicopters will be delivered to the Greek forces in 21 months and the rest two in 24 months after the contract activation date.

The four new "Super Puma" helicopters will be added to four more that belong to the Greek Coast Guard. They are among the best search and rescue helicopters and can participate in rescue operations day and night under adverse weather conditions.

Greek Soldiers In Leposavic, Kosovo
Dec 18, 2000

Greek soldiers are deployed since yesterday at the KFOR peace-keeping force check point at the exit of the city of Leposavic in northern Kosovo.

According to the Yugoslav news agency Tanjug, the Belgian troops of the peace-keeping force left the city after the bloody incident of last Saturday because Belgian KFOR soldiers were blamed for it and the Greek soldiers have been deployed in their place.

Meanwhile, a spokesman of the Belgian KFOR troops stated yesterday that only one of the two Serbs, who died in the Leposavic incident two days ago, was killed from the bullets of a Belgian soldier as the second Serb died from a heart attack.

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WOMEN PILOTS IN THE GREEK AIR FORCE 
Athens, 9 December 2000 
 
 Defense minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos announced that starting next year women pilots will be accepted in the Greek Air Force. The statement was made at the Kalamata Air Base yesterday during the ceremony for the new A-6 training aircraft.

The three new training aircraft that have been delivered to the Greek Air Force will be used in the initial and basic training stage of the pilots, while the rest 42 A-6 aircraft that have been purchased by the Greek Air Force are expected to be delivered by the end of 2003.

Yugoslavia, Greece to Sign Army Cooperation Pact
BELGRADE, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Yugoslavia and NATO-member Greece will sign a military cooperation agreement next week, a Yugoslav government minister said on Thursday.

The "inter-army agreement" will cover bilateral cooperation in the field as well as regional security, Velimir Radojevic, a Yugoslav minister without portfolio, told a news conference. He gave no further details.

The agreement will be signed by Yugoslav Defence Minister Slobodan Krapovic and his Greek counterpart Akis Tsohatzopoulos on November 27 in Belgrade.

"On that occasion the ministers will talk about the inclusion of Yugoslavia in international military cooperation and other issues of defence in the region in line with the platform adopted by the federal government," Radojevic said.

Radojevic is a member of the new Yugoslav government formed this month after the overthrow in October of president Slobodan Milosevic.

Greece has traditionally had close ties with Serbia, which is also largely Orthodox, and was against the NATO bombing campaign last year, launched to halt Belgrade's repression of Kosovo's ethnic Albanian majority.

GREECE TO CONTRIBUTE TO EUROPEAN ARMY 
Brussels, 21 November 2000 
 
 
 
Greece will provide a significant percentage of the 100.000 soldiers that are to make up the European Army in 2003, following the European Union Defense ministers meeting held in Brussels yesterday.

"The Greek contribution makes our country of the core providers of this program" said Greek Defense minister Akis Tsochatsopoulos, whilst adding that efforts should now be made to meet the necessary preparations required for European defense and safety.

A total of 3.500 men, 40 planes, 6 ships and 1 submarine have been offered by Greece for use in the European Army.

GREEK WARSHIPS WILL BE IN CYPRUS ON SATURDAY 
Nicosia, 18 October 2000
 
Two frigates, a submarine and two missile-boats of the Greek Navy will sail into the port of Larnaca, Cyprus on Saturday within the framework of the exercise "Nikiforos - Toxotis", as it was announced by the Cypriot ministry of defense.

The warships, the frigates "Salamis" and "Aegean", the submarine "Okeanos" and the missile-boats "Stavrakis" and "Blessas" will be at the port of Larnaca until Tuesday, October 24.

Turkey Air Force Welcomes Greeks

BALIKESIR AIR BASE, Turkey (AP) - For decades, Turkish warplanes have fought high-speed mock dogfights against Greek jets flying over disputed territory, a show of strength that each side used to intimidate the other and hone battle skills.

On Saturday, the Turkish air force carried out a new mission - welcoming the first Greek warplanes to visit a Turkish air base in at least three decades. The visit is part of a remarkable thaw in Turkish-Greek relations that began last year, when both sides sent aid to each other following devastating earthquakes.

Twelve gray and sky-blue Greek F-16 warplanes touched down at Balikesir in northwest Turkey, the country's main air base facing Greece.

The eight-year-old daughter of a Turkish pilot welcomed Greek commander Lt. Col. George Vlassopoulos with a bouquet of flowers. Vlassopoulos thanked her with a kiss on each cheek.

The Greek warplanes came to Turkey to join NATO  Destined Glory-2000 exercises, which will involve some 21,000 soldiers and sailors from seven countries: Greece, Turkey, the United States, Britain, Germany, Spain and Italy. The vast majority of the personnel will be on 70 ships taking part in the maneuvers.

Turkey hosts the exercises but an American officer, Vice Adm. Gregory Johnson, is in command.

The exercises start Monday with submarine maneuvers off the Turkish coast.

In a brief welcoming ceremony Col. Semih Birdogan, the operational commander of the Turkish base, called the joint training exercises ``a historic opportunity for two countries.''

For decades, aircraft from Balikesir patrolled disputed regions of the Aegean Sea, occasionally engaging in mock dogfights with Greek aircraft patrolling the same area.

Top Greek and Turkish officials have been talking throughout the year about ways to reduce tensions. Although few concrete steps have been taken to resolve the territorial disputes that brought the two sides to the brink of war three times in 26 years, the change is remarkable.

Defense ministers from the rival countries met in Greece for the first time Tuesday and discussed how to cut military spending. The two NATO members have the most powerful militaries in the region.

Turkey is plans to dramatically boost its military capability, in part to counter expected threats from eastern and southern neighbors Iraq, Iran and Syria. Turkey expects to spend $150 billion over the next 25 years on weapons such as tanks, attack helicopters and jet fighters. Greece, which regards Turkey as its main threat, has signed weapons contracts worth some $10 billion during the past three years.

Thanos Dokos, a military expert at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy in Athens, said Saturday marks the first time Greek fighters have landed in Turkey since the 1960s.

The pilots will ``probably have a beer together'' and recall the dogfights, he joked.

But, he added, ``there are still suspicions. After years of rivalries and tensions it would be naive to think that things will change after ... six months or a year.''

Greek soldiers will arrive in Turkey on Monday to take part in landing maneuvers. Turkish soldiers and aircraft participated in similar military exercises earlier this year in Greece.

Tsochatzopoulos: Big Changes In The Greek Armed Forces 
Oct 05, 2000: 
Minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos prepares drastic changes for the Greek armed forces aimed at creating a small, flexible and at the same time effective army that will be totally adjusted to the new conditions at a world level.

In an interview with the Athens newspaper "Eleftherotipia", Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that a draft bill defining the new structure of the Greek armed forces is ready.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that by January 1, 2003 the military service in the Army will be reduced to 12 months, in the Air Force to 14 months and in the Navy to 16 months. Also, about 15.000 professional soldiers will be hired by the armed forces in the same period of time.

The wages will be increased by 16.2% and the master's degree will be a basic criterion for those who will rise to the leadership of the armed forces.

Hellenic Arms Industry Wins 2-Billion Italian Bid
Sep 24, 2000

Hellenic Arms Industry (EBO) has won a 2.0 billion-drachma contract to build naval towers for Oto Breda of Italy, according to a company press release.

The Greek state-owned firm is undertaking a new product with a naval application that will equip fast attack craft belonging to the Greek navy.

Under the terms of the recently-signed contract, six naval towers will be built with an option to extend the deal. Delivery time for the first batch of towers is 18 months, the statement said.

Greek Engineering Firm Wins Us Base Contract 
Sep 21, 2000:

Greek engineering firm Themeliodomi, listed on the Athens bourse, has won a 1.46-billion-drachma construction contract at the United States military base in Souda, Crete.

The project, involving the expansion of airport and other facilities at the base, will be jointly undertaken with Ira Construction.

According to a company statement, Themeliodomi has been carrying out projects at the base since 1996 worth around 5.0 billion drachmas. 
A.F.

Greek Soldiers Depart For Urosevac
Aug 31, 2000:

New Greek forces will depart for Kosovo and the ceremony will be attended by minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos.

The Greek battalion will be based in the new installations of the Rigas Fereos army camp near Urosevac and it will replace army units that have completed their mission in the region.

Greece Negotiating Purchase Of German Leopard-2 Tanks
Aug 23, 2000

Greece has reportedly embarked on negotiations for the purchase of an undisclosed number of Leopard 2 tanks from Germany, which Berlin has refused to sell to Ankara, citing Turkey's dismal human rights record.

The German Finance Ministry has confirmed that a "confidential briefing report" outlining Berlin's intention to provide Greece with credits towards the purchase of the new tanks has been tabled with a relevant Bundestag committee.

Greece is apparently in the final stages of selecting a new main battle tank (MBT) for its armed forces, a deal that could be worth more than $1.8 billion, and with Germany's Leopard 2A5 as one of the main contenders. 
Other candidates for the Greek order include the US-made M1-A2 Abrams, Britain's Challenger 2E and France's Leclerc, while previous reports have put the number of tanks to be purchased at around 250, along with 24 recovery vehicles and 12 bridge layers.

French Firms Win 1.63 Bln Euro Greek Fighter Deal
PARIS, Aug 21 (Reuters) - France's top aerospace firms said on Monday they had won a 1.627 billion euro contract to supply Mirage fighter planes and missiles to the Greek military.

The announcement of the Mirage sale was confirmation of a deal originally unveiled by the Greek government in April 1999, but the missile agreement had not previously been revealed.

In a joint statement, Dassault Aviation, Thomson-CSF, state-owned engine maker Snecma and Anglo-French missile venture Matra BAE Dynamics said they would provide Greece with 15 Mirage 2000-5 Mark 2 fighters built by Dassault.

The contract also involves modernising 10 Mirage 2000 combat jets already in the Greek fleet and supplying missiles, produced by Matra BAE, to equip the new planes.

Officials at the French defence procurement agency DGA said the fighter purchase represented 1.167 billion euros ($1.06 billion) of the total price. The price tag of the missiles to equip the planes was put at about 424 million euros.

The weapons contract includes the procurement of 200 MICA air-to-air missiles, 56 SCALP missiles, and the passive counter measures system SPIRALE.

Greece announced late last month that it would spend nearly $11 billion in new money on defence procurement over the next five years, taking total arms spending to over $24 billion between now and 2010.

Although relations have improved over the past year, Greece has a long history of disagreements with Turkey, which it often views as a military threat. Athens is also trying to promote stability in the Balkans.

GREECE PLANS F-16, EUROFIGHTER PURCHASES, STUDYING RAFALE

In addition to the Mirage fighters, the government has also announced its intention to buy 50+ F-16 fighter aircraft, built by U.S. giant Lockheed Martin, and  60-90 combat planes from the Eurofighter consortium.

Speaking to reporters in Athens, a defence ministry official said the government was also studying the purchase of Dassault's next-generation Rafale fighter -- a direct competitor of the Eurofighter plane.

In a statement, the ministry said that delivery of the new Mirage aircraft would begin in 35 months and be completed eight months thereafter. Delivery of the upgraded aircraft will begin in 46 months and delivery will be completed nine months later.

Modernisation of the older Mirage 2000 jets will be undertaken in cooperation with Greece's Hellenic Aerospace Industry, which will receive work valued at 65.44 billion drachmas ($176.2 million).

Leopard wins Greek tank shoot-out

The winner of the Greek Main Battle Tank (MBT) competition is expected to be announced in August this year but results of competition trials obtained by Jane's Defence Weekly have placed the German-made Leopard 2A5 in pole position.

The first batch of MBTs will be for 250 vehicles plus variants. Between October and December 1998 six MBTs carried out extensive firepower and mobility trials in Greece manned by Greek Army crews. These were the French Giat Industries Leclerc; German Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Leopard 2A5 in latest Swedish Strv 122 configuration; Russian Omsk Machine Construction Plant T-80U; Ukrainian Malyshev Plant T-84; UK Vickers Defence Systems Challenger 2E; and the US General Dynamics Land Systems M1A2 Abrams.

Of these six vehicles, out of a maximum possible operational and technical score of 100%, best performing were: Leopard 2A5, 78.65%; M1A2 Abrams, 72.21%; Leclerc, 72.03%; and Challenger, 2E 69.19%

The Leopard 2A5 was the only one with a demonstrated deep fording capability, while the M1A2 had the best firing results during hunter/killer target engagements.

The German 1,500hp MTU EuroPowerPack was fitted in both the Leclerc and the Challenger 2E and these two vehicles had the best cruising range and lower fuel consumption.

According to JDW sources, the recommendation of the Greek Armour Directorate to the Council for Defence Planning and Programme was that the choice be limited to just two vehicles: the German Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Leopard 2A5; and the US General Dynamics Land Systems M1A2 Abrams.

In addition to the results of the operational and technical trials a number of other factors were taken into account, such as the total number of vehicles built, number of users, NATO interoperability and experience of the Greek Army with current German and US MBTs.

While these operational and technical trials will play an important part in the Greek decision-making process, other crucial factors include: the offset arrangements; Greek added value; and politics. Of the above four MBTs, three are currently taking part in the Turkish Land Forces Command MBT trials. These are the Leopard 2A6; Leclerc; and M1A2. Vickers Defence Systems decided to concentrate on just one market, Greece.

The first batch of 250 MBTs and 12 armoured recovery vehicles will be followed by a second batch of 400, with most of these expected to be manufactured in Greece.

Greece's Albania Force Welcomed Back To Thessaloniki
Aug 04, 2000:

The 106 men of the Greek force in Albania were welcomed home by the minister of Macedonia and Thrace, George Paschalides and army representatives, in an official ceremony held at the port of Thessaloniki. Ioannis Tassias, canon of the Holy Cathedral of Thessaloniki, opened the ceremony with a prayer.

In his address to the generals and soldiers of the Greek force in Albania, Mr Paschalides expressed the satisfaction and pride he felt in welcoming them back to Thessaloniki, which he described as "the port of peace and cooperation of nations".

"The Greek mission made an important contribution to the reestablishment of our neighbouring country, Albania. It was carried out with a great feeling of responsibility, in the spirit of our country, which is one of peace, democracy, stability and cooperation. It has made us proud. The role that our country has played is recognised by all sides and I believe that the presence of our peacekeeping mission in Albania portrayed the truth of my words", he said. Mr Paschalides expressed the wish that the peacemaking attempts for reestablishment in the Balkans continue.

Lieutenant-General Panayiotakis relayed the satisfaction of the Greek ministry of Defense with the Greek force in Albania mission, stating that our country can and should participate in Albania's further development.

The Greek force in Albania was in the country from 1997, when it arrived with 1000 men, until this year, by which point it had been reduced gradual stages to just 200. Of those, 106 returned to Greece �n 50 vehicles, while 80 men remained at the port of Durres, with orders to protect it.

Vickers Set To Win $3 Billion Greek Tank Order 
Jul 02, 2000:
Hailed as the largest armored-vehicle export order in Britain's history, the UK's Vickers Defense Systems is reportedly about to win a tank order from Greece's Ministry of Defense that could be worth up to $3.64 billion, according to the U.K.'s Sunday Times.

The newspaper, citing British government defense experts, reported that Vickers' Challenger 2 tank has prevailed in intense competition from German, French and U.S. rivals. 
Vickers is a subsidiary of British aero-engine maker Rolls-Royce Plc.

The Defense Ministry is expected to initially order almost 250 tanks, with a follow-up order likely for a further 450 tanks.

Other tanks considered by Greece include the U.S. Abrams tank, made by General Dynamics Corporation, France's Leclerq, made by the state-owned Giat Industries, and Germany's Leopard II, made by Krauss-Maffei.

President Honors Navy Week
Jul 02, 2000:

A week-long series of celebrations in honor of the coutnry's Navy Force is to conlcude in Athens today, where the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will inspect, on board the frigate Elli, the fleet that will be deployed at the Trokadero at Paleo Faliro.

Navy Week startted last Sunday in with Alexandroupolis, northern Greece, and the programmed events included the fleet sailing into various ports in the country, concerts at Lycabettus and Alexandroupolis and displays by MYK SEALs (frogmen) and paratroopers.

Yekaterinburg Plant Makes 4 Fire Weapon Systems for Greece. .
MOSCOW, June 30 (Itar-Tass) - The "Start" plant of Yekaterinburg has manufactured four "Ogon" fire weapon systems for the "Zubr" air-cushion landing ships. The ships will be delivered to the Greek Navy in 2001 under a contract signed by Russia's Rosvooruzhenie and the Greek defense ministry in January 2000, a representative of the defense industry told Itar-Tass on Friday.

One of the two ships will be built by the Almaz Dock of St. Petersburg and delivered in 1.5 years. The other ship is a modernized vessel of the Russian Navy.

The bow of each ship will carry two 22-barrel fire weapon systems with a caliber of 140 millimeters. The systems will be held under the deck en route and raised to the surface only before the landing.

The "Start" plant will display the fire weapon system at the arms show in Nizhni Tagil on July 11-15.

Greek Force Withdraws From Albania
Jun 29, 2000:

Greek minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos announced yesterday the withdrawal of the Greek force from Albania after a 3year stay in the country.

The decision was taken after consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs and defense and the Albanian authorities and no agreement was reached on a formula to extend the Greek presence in the region.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that the construction of political and infrastructure projects will continue in Ghirokastra, Durres and Tirana based on the agreement that has been signed, while 30 Greek army officers will remain in Albania at Greece's persistence to train the Albanian armed forces. Another 60men force will also remain in Albania within the framework of the KFOR.

The Greek force in Albania was deployed in the country within the framework of the international operation after the 1997 uprising.

Greece Begins Production of U.S. Patriot Missile Launchers
ATHENS (June 12)
 - Greece has begun producing launchers for the U.S.-made "Patriot" anti-aircraft missiles, a joint effort in cooperation with the weapon system's manufacturer, the Massachusetts-based Rytheon corporation.

The launchers were now being produced by Greece's state-run Hellenic Arms Industry (EBO) at its plant near the capital city of Athens, the semi-official Athens News Agency (ANA) reported Monday.

The production of the launchers by the Greek side, a deal worth about 4.5 billion drachmas (about 12.5 million U.S. dollars), is part of an offsets agreement related to the sale of the defense system for the Greek military.

The Greek military's 200-million-dollar purchase also includes support systems, parts, technical support and personnel training programs for the anti-aircraft system.

Duration of Military Service Reduced
Jun 05, 2000

Greece's mandatory military service is to be six months shorter by 2003, according to the Minister of National Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos who unveiled a new program that will gradually be completed in three years and be combined with the hiring of 15,000 professional soldiers.

According to Mr. Tsochatzopoulos, the program calls for an annual two-month cut in all branches of the military. Namely, the length of service in 2001 will be 16 months for the army (presently 18), 18 for the air force (presently 20) and 19 for the navy (presently 21).

Two-month cuts will also be implemented in the years 2002 and 2003, until the overall military term is six months shorter. It has not been clarified if the new terms are applicable to those already enlisted.

Greece Buys 56 Fighter Plane Enginees From P&W
Jun 02, 2000: 
The Greek Defense Ministry has signed a contract with United States firm ?ratt & Whitney for the purchase of 56 fighter plane engines, as part of its multimillion dollar arms procurement program.

?he ?ast ?artford-based ?ratt & Whitney, a division of United ?echnologies Corp, will supply the F100-?W-229 engines, as well as logistical support and equipment for the F-16 ?lock 50+ aircraft.

While the contract is valued at 266 million drachmas, Pratt & Whitney will also supply 63 million drachmas worth of free equipment and services, the ministry said.

Russian Air Defense Launchers Do Test Shooting in Greece. .
MOSCOW, May 30 (Itar-Tass) - The test shooting of the Russian-made Tor-M1 air defense launchers supplied to Greece have taken place at NATO training grounds. The shooting was done by Greek crews and watched by NATO experts. All the targets were hit.

Twenty-one Tor-M1 air defense launchers are being supplied to Greece by the Antei concern. Four launchers were delivered in 1999. The contract will be done in full in August 2000. Greece may buy another 29 launchers for placing on Crete.

Dynamic Mix: Turkey Submits Flight Plans
May 23, 2000:

Turkish jets entering the Athens Flight Information Region as part of the NATO military exercise "Dynamic Mix", will provide flight plans in advance, albeit to the Alliance, after the Greek Defense Ministry unequivocally stated that Turkish military aircraft which fail to file flight plans will be intercepted.

During "Dynamic Mix", NATO's land, air and naval forces will come together under the Alliance's new structure for the first time, employing the new regional command centers at Larissa in central Greece and the nearby town of Tyrnavos .

In addition to Greece and Turkey, the exercise features the participation of Belgium, Germany, France, Denmark, the United States, Britain, Italy, Spain, Hungary and Portugal.

Greece is participating with four frigates, four missile boats, two submarines, two tank carriers, 64 aircraft, the 2nd mechanized infantry division and the 33rd mechanized brigade.

Turkey will have a company of marines (150 men), four jeeps, two trucks, two frigates, two missile boats, two submarines, an oil tanker and a tank carrier. It will also participate with aircraft.

A.F.

Greece to Intercept Aircraft Flying without Flight Plan
ATHENS (May 22) XINHUA - Greece warns Monday that it will intercept the aircraft flying over the Aegean Sea without a flight plan.

Aircraft not participating in the NATO military exercise, not having submitted flight plans and without having provided certain common data for all aircraft will be intercepted as was always done in the past, Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said.

The aerial part of the major NATO exercise "Dynamic Mix 2000" begins Tuesday over Greek skies.

A total of 136 planes are taking part in Tuesday's exercise, including 66 Greek aircraft, 15 German planes, 17 from Italy, 12 from Turkey, 11 from Spain, eight from Portugal and seven from France.

The NATO exercise began Saturday in various parts of Greece, with the participation of 12 alliance member-states.

Some 15,000 troops, 65 vessels and more than 290 aircraft will participate in the war games that will end on June 10.

NATO Military Exercise Begins in Greece. .
ATHENS, May 20 (Itar-Tass) - NATO's biggest annual military exercise in South-Eastern Europe, codenamed Dynamics Mix-2000, begins in Greece on Saturday. 15,000 troops. 293 planes and 65 warships from 12 countries will take part in it.

Officially, the purpose of the military exercise, which is to be held on the whole of the territory of Greece until May 31, is to master cooperation during "humanitarian" operation in the Mediterranean. The biggest military contingents to take part in Dynamics Mex-2000 are those of the United States and Greece. For the first time ever, 15 Turkish planes landed in Greece within the framework of the NATO exercise, and 150 Turkish marines will land in the southern part of the Peloponnesus Peninsula.

rom/

Greece, Cyprus Hold Joint Military Exercise
May 18, 2000

Greece's armed forces and the National Guard of Cyprus are presently holding a joint military exercise code-named "Vergina-Toxotis", held within the framework of the Unified Defense Doctrine.

Greek war ships, which are in the area between Rhodes and Cyprus, are also taking place in the exercise.

Greece - Cyprus - Military exercises
17/05/2000 
NICOSIA (ANA G. Leonidas) Four Hellenic Air Force F-16s flew over parts of free Cyprus on Wednesday as part of joint military exercises between Greek units and the island republics National Guard.

According to sources, the four warplanes flew in the vicinity of a military air base near the town of Paphos, while during their return flight towards Greece they flew past Turkish fighters within the Nicosia FIR, although no interference was reported.

The exercise, which also includes the participation of ground forces and naval vessels, began in the morning and was fully underway by mid-afternoon before it is scheduled conclusion on Thursday. Additional flights by Greek warplanes are set for Thursday as well.

First Greek Woman Fighter Pilot Next Year
Mar 28, 2000:

The Greek Air Force is to have a woman join its fighter pilot ranks as of next year, according to the Minister of National Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos who addressed a Thessaloniki-held conference entitled "Youth, Defense and Remote Greece".

In his address, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos also reiterated that by boosting the country's professional army to 15,000-strong in a course of three years, the mandatory military service term (presently 18 months) will be gradually reduced.

Beginning with this year, mandatory service will be reduced two months per annum, reaching 12 months in three years.

A.F.

10% Greek Participation In The Eurofighter Consortium 
Mar 24, 2000:

Greece has secured a 10% participation in the consortium that builds the EUROFIGHTER jets, according to a report on the French newspaper "Le Figaro".

Specifically, the French newspaper, citing statements made by a high ranking Greek official, mentioned that Greece had expressed interest in the purchase of 60 EUROFIGHTER jets and this way it won a 10% participation in the consortium.

In the same report it is mentioned that Greece, within the framework of a wider modernization program of its defense, has recently signed a deal for the purchase of 50 US F-16 jets, while it is in the process of signing another deal for the purchase of 15 Mirage 2000-5 jets.

Greece Donates Patrol Boat to Cyprus
ATHENS (March 21) XINHUA - Greece Tuesday donated a patrol boat to the Cyprus navy to show their determination to boost their deterrent capability in the framework of the joint defense doctrine.

Speaking at a delivery ceremony also attended by visiting Cypriot Defense Minister Socrates Hasikos, Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said that the common obligation of the two countries to ensure the security of their nations against any threat and to joint support the prospect for security, peace and cooperation among all the peoples of the region was reflected in the donation of the patrol boat "Konosso," which was renamed " Kyrenia" after the Turkish-occupied town on Cyprus' northern coast.

Tsohatzopoulos also warned that any effort to change the status quo or to dispute their sovereign rights would find them united and strong in their response.

Lockheed Martin Sets Sale of 50 F-16s to Greece
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp. said Friday the U.S. and Greek governments agreed to the sale of 50 new Lockheed F-16 fighter aircraft to Greece in a $2.1 billion deal.

The agreement includes aircraft, mission equipment and support provisions worth $2.1 billion to Lockheed and its suppliers. It also includes an option for Greece to buy an additional 10 F-16s.

The purchase by the Hellenic Air Force is the third acquisition of the F-16 aircraft by the Government of Greece. The first was in 1986 and the second in 1992. The previous procurements were for 40 aircraft.

Greece is acquiring an advanced version of the F-16 with new equipment, including an upgraded version of the Northrop Grumman Corp. F-16 radar.

Final engine selection between the General Electric Co. F110-GE-129 and the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 will be made within the next 45 days, Lockheed said. Pratt & Whitney is a unit of United Technologies Corp.

Greek Car Industry Signs A 28.5 Billion Drachmas Deal With Armed Forces
Mar 09, 2000

A deal for the supply of vehicles that will cover the needs of the Greek armed forces was signed by the defense ministry armaments general director Yiannis Sbokos and Greek Car Industry chairman Likourgos Sakellaris in the presence of defense minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos.

The 28.5 billion drachmas deal provides for the supply of the Greek armed forces with 583 vehicles of different types and functions. Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that after the elections and in the first half of the year 2000 decisions will be reached on the purchase of the "Centaur" armored tanks.

Speaking before the Greek Car Industry employees, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos referred to the issue of its privatization and pointed out that the political will is for 51% of the industry to remain under state control, while the strategic investor will get up to 49% of the stocks and the industry's management.

Hellenic Shipyards signs deal with Greece for Germany submarines
Tuesday, February 15, 2000 - The Associated Press

ATHENS, GREECE - AP World News via NewsEdge Corporation : Greece on Tuesday signed a 430
billion drachmas (dlrs 1.26 billion) agreement with Hellenic Shipyards to build three German
submarines for the Greek navy.

It was the latest deal in a costly Greek military build up that has not been affected by a recent thaw
in relations with longtime rival Turkey.

The contract calls for the construction of three type 214 submarines made by Germany's Ferro Stall
and HDV, and allows the option for a fourth. The first is to be built in Germany, and the other two at
the shipyard in Skaramangas, outside the capital. First delivery is set at 60 months, the second in
85, and the third in 90.

The German submarine was the only one in the running, although offers had been made by France's
DCN and Holland's RDM. Greece already has eight type 209's in its submarine fleet.

Offsets for the deal are valued at 115 percent of the contract's value _ including subcontracting to
Greek companies worth 76 billion drachmas (dlrs 223.5 million).

They include the construction of two fast ferries at Hellenic Shipyards for HDV, 1,000 rail cars, naval
ammunition, a number of landing craft, and submarine batteries. The shipyards will also receive a
license to build submarines for other customers in the future.

Greece will also get two used S148 German fast attack missile boats as part of the deal.

Defense Minister Akis Tsochadzopoulos said at the signing ceremony that Greece had already
signed weapons contracts worth 2.7 trillion drachmas (dlrs 7.9 billion) since 1997. Greece is
expected to spend up to dlrs 15 billion on armaments by 2005.

The government's economic watchdogs have reportedly appealed for cuts in the military program on
fears of increasing debt as Greece seeks to join the European Union's single currency group.

Tsochadzopoulos also added that he expected all outstanding contracts to be signed by the end of
the month, well before early elections set for April 9.

Outstanding contracts waiting a final signature include 50 F-16 jet fighters from Lockheed Martin and
15 Mirage 2000-5 aircraft made by France's Dassault Aviation.

Greece also has to make a decision on its next generation fighter, which it has said will be the
Eurofighter, built by a consortium that includes the German-American conglomerate DaimlerChrysler
AG and Britain's BAE Systems. It has pledged to begin using the Eurofighter after 2005.

The next big Greek purchase could be battle tanks. Under consideration are U.S.-made M1-A2
Abrams tanks and Britain's Challenger 2E.

Greek Officers to Take Air-Defence Training Course in Russia. .
MOSCOW, March 1 (Itar-Tass) - A group of Greek officers have officers arrived in Moscow to attend a training course for the maintenance of the S-300 PMU-1 air-defence complex, a military- diplomatic source told Itar-Tass on Wednesday.

The 64 officers will be trained at Gatchina near St.Petersburg, and after they are back they will be able to use the complexes deployed in the island of Crete.

They will take an exam at the end of the course. ala/

Greece to Buy More Anti-Aircraft Systems from Russia. .
MOSCOW, February 28 (Itar-Tass) - Greece is going to import from Russia more short-range anti-aircraft systems Tor-M1, a military diplomatic source told Itar-Tass on Monday.

Tor-M1s are to be delivered to Crete island to stand by long-range S-300 PMU-1 anti-aircraft systems deployed there these days, he said.

The source said the additional import of Tor-1s would create an effective layered air defense system on Crete.

He said these systems are perfectly suited for destruction of low-flying planes that enter the air defense area and for protection of S-300 PMU1s from strikes by precision arms.

The delivery of the 21st system Tor-M1 to Greece under a 526 million dollar worth contract is ahead of schedule and is set for late August of 2000.

However, the Russian-Greek contract, whose executor is Antei concern, stipulates an option for 29 more Tor-M1s.

If Greece decides to buy them, the contract's worth could go above 1.2 billion dollars.

Greece's Air Defense Will Be Secured By The End Of 2001

Feb 18, 2000:

Minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos speaking in the ceremony for the
               installation of the anti-aircraft "Patriot" missile systems in the Sedes military
               airport in Thessaloniki, stated that the full anti-aircraft coverage of the
               Aegean and the Greek mainland will be secured by the end of 2001. He
               said that with the arrival of 6 "Patriot 3" missile systems of small and
               medium range the anti-aircraft umbrella for the protection Greece will be
               complete.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos underlined that the national defense needs to be
               reinforced because the crises in south-eastern Europe, Caucasus, Black
               Sea and eastern Mediterranean will continue to exist, Cyprus' security is a
               national obligation for Greece, while the negotiations with Turkey, within
               the framework of the EU-Turkey relations, force Greece to safeguard its
               defense and deterrent ability to the highest degree during the next decade.
               He also stated that this way the negotiations with Turkey will become more
               effective and new terms will be secured in the relations of the two
               countries.

Greece Concerned Over Situation in Kosovo
ATHENS (Feb. 17) XINHUA - Greece Thursday voiced its concern over the developments in the Yugoslav province of Kosovo and condemned all terrorist actions on Serb targets.

Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said Thursday that Greece was concerned over peace in Kosovo following the attacks of ethnic Albanians on members of the Serb community in the northern town of Mitrovica, which, split between the predominantly-Serb north and the almost exclusively ethnic Albanian south, has been a flashpoint for the ethnic tensions plaguing Kosovo as a whole.

He said that the Greek foreign ministry condemned all terrorist actions on Serb targets and urged the ethnic Albanian leadership in Kosovo to isolate all terrorist elements.

The spokesman reaffirmed Greece's position on Kosovo, saying that Greece called for the implementation of the U.N. Security Council resolution 1244 which provides for the safeguarding of Kosovo's territorial integrity as a part of Yugoslavia within the framework of the respect of human rights of the ethnic communities living in the region.

On Wednesday, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis described the situation in Kosovo as dangerous, warning that the peace in the Yugoslav province could collapse if the conflicts continued.

Violence erupted between the two communities earlier this month and two French peacekeeping soldiers were wounded and one ethnic Albanian sniper died in a gunfight on Sunday.

Greece currently has a strong battalion of 1,200 men being stationed in Urosevac and Kosovo Polje in southern Kosovo, but a Greek company of 120 elite soldiers has been ordered to rush to the northern Kosovo town of Mitrovica as a reinforcement for French and British troops there.

New Armored Battle Tank Presented Today 
Feb 11, 2000

The new armored battle tank (TOMA), under the name "Centaur", was presented today at the Litochoro, Pieria shooting ground.

Army general staff chief Konstantinos Panagiotakis characterized as successful the presentation that was attended by representatives of German defense industries. The armored tank was operated by two crews, a Greek and German and overcame successfully all obstacles.

Greek Vehicle Industry president Likourgos Sakellaris spoke about the capabilities of the armored tank and said that the number of the tanks that will be built will depend on the needs of the armed forces within the framework of the armaments program.

Minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos was unable to attend the presentation due to prior engagements that kept him in Athens.

Russian Anti-Aircraft Complexes Delivered to Greece.
MOSCOW, January 27 (Itar-Tass) - The Russian Antei Concern has completed the delivery to Greece of the second lot of Tor-M1 anti-aircraft missile complexes. Two systems of this type were delivered to the customer by An-124 planes, a spokesman for the Antei firm told Itar-Tass on Thursday.

He said that the contract to deliver twenty-one Tor-M1 missile complexes to Greece, worth 526 million U.S. dollars, is being fulfilled ahead of schedule. The complexes are to be delivered in three lots, the last one is to be shipped to the customer within fifteen months after the first advance payment is made. Since this money was remitted in May 1999, it is planned to execute the contract at the end of August 2000.

The first lot of Tor-M1 systems, consisting of four combat vehicles and several auxiliary automobiles, was sent to the customer in August 1999, that is ten days ahead of schedule.

The second lot was produced four months faster than planned. Four combat vehicles and auxiliary equipment were delivered to Greece in December and two more combat vehicles in January 2000.

Hence, Greece will receive the remaining eleven Tor-M1 combat vehicles before August and, if needed, will be able to order twenty-nine more anti-aircraft missile complexes of this type. This number of complexes is stipulated by the option, stipulated in the signed contract.

The Russo-Greek contract for the delivery of Russian anti-aircraft defence systems is one of the largest in recent years. If Greece decides to buy twenty-nine more Tor-M1 complexes, the total sum of the contract may top 1.2 billion U.S. dollars.

Greece Signs Agreements for Military Hovercraft
ATHENS (Jan. 24) XINHUA - Greece Monday signed two separate agreements for the purchase of four military hovercraft from Russia and Ukraine.

The two hovercraft from the Ukrainian arms exporter Ukrspetsexport totals 32 billion drachmas (about 98.5 million U.S. dollars ) while the other two from Russia's well-known Rosvoorouzhenie reaches 33 billion drachmas (about 102 million U.S. dollars), the semi-official Athens News Agency (ANA) reported.

The two Ukrainian-built hovercraft are scheduled for delivery between 12 to 14 months, and the vessels-built by Russia will be delivered between 12 to 18 months.

The four "Zurb-Type" hovercraft can transport three medium- sized tanks or eight to 10 personnel carriers or 10 armored vehicles, and they also can transport, at speeds reaching up to 60 knots, some 500 fully equipped soldiers, 60 to 70 mines or any combination of the two.

Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos also announced Monday that Greece will purchase some smaller hovercraft from British shipyards and with the Hellenic Aerospace Industries cooperation envisioned.

Defense Spending In Greece Will Reach 4.4 Trillion Drachmas
Jan 21, 2000

A detailed briefing on the armaments program of the Greek armed forces for the period 2001-2005 took place in today's meeting of the governmental committee of foreign affairs and defense in Athens. Minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos clarified that the program will cost 4.4 trillion drachmas and will provide for the reorganization of the armed forces, the expansion of the armaments systems, the establishment of new infrastructures and the completion of the training policy in the army.

Specifically, the members of the governmental committee were briefed on the course of the negotiations for the purchase of EuroFighter jets, in the co-production of which Greece wants to participate, as well as on the purchase of 15 Mirage 2000-5, 15 transport planes and electronic weapons systems.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos said that the elements of the country's new defense strategy, which will take its final form in the following 2 months creating the basis of the modern Greek army, were also discussed in the governmental committee meeting.

Proposal For Greek-British Cooperation In The Military Vehicle Industry 
Jan 17, 2000

The proposal of a British company for the co-production with the Greek Vehicle Industry of "Challenger 2E" armored tanks will be examined in the talks between Greek minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos and his visiting British counterpart Jeffrey Hoon who arrived in Thessaloniki today.

The discussion concerns the co-production of 250-500 armored tanks for the Greek army, while talks are also underway with companies from the United States, Russia, Germany and France. The British company "Vickers" is also interested in acquiring part of the Greek Vehicle Industry shares package and the two defense ministers visited the car industry plant in Sindos, outside Thessaloniki this afternoon.

In statements the two ministers made, they characterized bilateral relations as excellent and expressed the wish for the further improvement of relations to expand to the sector of armaments.

Defense Minister Unveils Anti-Aircraft System
Jan 16, 2000

National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos announced yesterday that Greece will have an integrated anti-aircraft system from 2001, boosting overall defence and security.

The S-300 missile system installed in the island of Crete would be fully integrated into the country's defence system in a few months. The missiles would cover 40% of the distance between Crete and Cyprus, Tsohatzopoulos said.

In addition, the whole of national airspace would be covered by Patriot missiles from 2001, he told a news conference in the Cretan town of Ierapetra.

Moreover, he stated that a government plan to overhaul the armed forces that includes expansion of the standing army and reduction of military service is at the final stage of preparation before going to parliament.

He stated that the new standing army will have 15,000 personnel and that a phased cut in the length of compulsory military service would begin in two years.

A.F.

NEW ATTACK HELICOPTERS FOR CYPRUS? (Jan 07)

Politis Newspaper yesterday insisted that Cyprus was in fact buying helicopters from Russia, and could not understand why the 
Defence Ministry had denied the information. Politis, which reported the deal first on Monday, said that the information had already 
been reported by several international news agencies, one of which was Reuters. Politis went on to say Cyprus was initially interested 
in the KA-50 attack helicopter, but after a special study, the newspaper claims, it was decided that the Mil- Mi28 or Mil-Mi24 would 
better suit its needs. Politis also claimed that a European country was also ready to sell helicopters to Cyprus, but it did not disclose 
the type of the helicopters.

Cyprus Mail 2000

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