Türkiye far ahead of Greece in aviation industry Greek minister says

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said that Türkiye is far ahead of Greece in the field of aviation industry.

"Where were Türkiye and us in 1980? Look where Türkiye and we are today, in 2024. Türkiye has made a breakthrough and we have taken a step backwards. This is unacceptable," Dendias said in an interview with Kathimerini newspaper.

Stressing that the Greek aviation and defence industries have serious problems, Dendias remarked, "What do we have today? Nothing or almost nothing domestic."

The minister emphasized that this situation is unacceptable, despite the large amount of money spent to meet the needs of the country's armed forces.

Noting that Greece can achieve a better position in the aviation industry according to its capabilities and needs, Dendias expressed his dissatisfaction with the current situation.

According to him, it is obvious that the Greek Air Force cannot survive without a well-functioning aviation industry, he said that in the coming days they will present a bill showing how the country's production capacity can be aligned with the needs of the General Staff.

Pointing out that Greece will buy F-35 fighter jets from the US, Dendias said: "We cannot move forward by adding weapons systems only at the top of the pyramid and ignoring the problems at its base. An Air Force with F-35s but not enough transport aircraft is not a modern Air Force."

Emphasizing that the availability of frigates belonging to the Greek Navy must be addressed, the minister said that it is important not only that the frigates go to sea, but that all systems are operational.

Recalling that a number of MEKO class frigates are in need of modernization, Dendias pointed out the importance for the Greek Navy to reach the level that existed before the economic crisis.