“If France formally requests the provision of Crotale for the protection of Paris, for the Olympic Games, our country will consent,” stated today the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, in statements following a meeting with the Regional Governor of Central Macedonia, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, at the Regional Services building. “It would be a shame if we, the country that has signed a defense agreement with the French Republic, do not assist in the Olympic Games, which represent everything Greek in the world,” Mr. Dendias said regarding the provision of the all-weather mobile anti-aircraft system Crotale. He also emphasized that Greece has sufficient systems.

Responding to a journalist’s question about the weapons systems that could potentially be transferred to Ukraine, the Minister said: “The government spokesperson has addressed this, having been informed by the Ministry of National Defense. Patriots will not be transferred, S-300s will not be transferred, the country will not deprive itself of what is necessary for its defense and the protection of our homeland’s vital interests.”

He also highlighted that the Ministry of National Defense is a pivotal ministry, where the doors are always open for informing opposition parties and political leaders on any national defense issue. “I am always available to inform the Parliament, the parties, about anything more specific,” he added.

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In response to another journalist’s question about the involvement of the Greek frigate HS Hydra in protecting a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden, he emphasized that “there was an extremely successful operation to deter an attack on a merchant vessel.” “That’s why the ship went there. We know that our personnel operate in a danger zone. I had said it from the beginning, I went to Hydra when it was operating. It needs the absolute support of Greek society but also let’s not fool ourselves, the crew gains invaluable experience in real conditions, just like the Patriot array we have in the wider area,” he added.