Greece is launching what Defense Minister Nikos Dendias called the “largest reform in the history of the Hellenic Armed Forces,” with a focus on modernizing the navy.
Dendias represented Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis Friday at a ceremony marking the Dormition of the Virgin Mary and the 85th anniversary of the torpedoing of the cruiser Elli on the island of Tinos.
“Hopefully next year the silhouette of the first FDI frigate, the most modern frigate on the planet, the Kimon, will adorn the horizon of Tinos,” Dendias said.
Dendias and Navy Chief Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Katara boarded the missile patrol vessel Mykonios to visit the site where the Elli was sunk. They held a memorial service and laid wreaths for the nine sailors who died.
“The Virgin Mary has long been a spiritual anchor for the nation and the protector of our Armed Forces,” Dendias said.
He added that the Elli attack foreshadowed the bloodshed of World War II.
“Our Armed Forces honor Greek history and continue it,” he said, pledging responsible strengthening of Greece’s deterrent capabilities under international law.
