N. Dendias: If France requests Crotale in writing, Greece will consent

“If France formulates in writing the verbal request for the provision of Crotale, for the protection of Paris for the Olympic Games, our country will consent,” said the Minister of National Defense from Thessaloniki Nikos Dendiasafter a meeting with the governor of Central Macedonia, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

“Alas if we, the country that has signed a defense agreement with the French Republic, do not help the Olympic Games that represent everything Greek in this world,” said Mr. Dendias regarding the provision of mobile anti-aircraft system all weather, Crotale. He emphasized, after all, that Greece has sufficient systems.

In response to a question about the issues of weapons systems that may be transferred to Ukrainethe minister said: “The government representative has been appointed, after being informed by the Ministry of National Defence. No Patriots will be transferred, no S-300s will be transferredthe country is not going to be deprived of what is necessary for its defense and the protection of the core interests of our country”.

At the same time, he underlined that at the Ministry of National Defense the doors are always open for informing the opposition parties and political leaders on any matter of national defense. “I am always available to inform the Parliament, the parties about anything that is needed” he added.

In another question about the involvement of the frigate Hydra in the protection of a merchant ship in the Gulf of Aden, he stressed that “it was an extremely successful operation to deter an attack on a merchant ship.”

“That’s why the steamer went there. We know our staff is operating in a danger zone. I had said it from the beginning, I had been to Hydra when it was operating. It needs the absolute support of the Greek society but also don’t kid us about it, the crew is gaining invaluable experience in real conditions, just like the Patriot array we have in the wider area” he added.

Source: RES-MPE