Defense Minister Nikos Dendias on Wednesday highlighted what he described as a significant step in modernizing the country’s armed forces during a visit to military facilities focused on drone production and support.

Speaking from the 306 Telecommunications Base Factory in Acharnes, where a workshop for unmanned aircraft systems operates, Dendias pointed to the development of domestic capabilities as central to a broader transition. He also referenced parallel work at the 316 Technical Area Workshop in Toxotes, Xanthi.

“Here, as well as at the 316 factory in Xanthi, we see a major step being implemented for the transition of our country’s Armed Forces into a new era,” Dendias said.

He noted that two drone production facilities have already been established and that mobile production units are under construction. These units, he said, are intended to accompany all army brigades in real time. “Each brigade will be able to produce and repair drones on site,” he added.

Dendias emphasized that strengthening domestic production reduces reliance on foreign suppliers. “Our country, in order to maintain a credible deterrent force, must adapt to new capabilities,” he said, adding that locally developed drone and counter-drone systems would help avoid dependence on external procurement and reduce spending abroad.

Source: Ekathimerini.com