The need for enhanced cooperation of the Western powers in the field of Defence was underlined by Mr. Nikolaos Papatsas, Senior Partner of EFA GROUP and President of the Hellenic Aerospace, Security & Defence Industries Group (HASDIG). Mr. Papatsas participated in a discussion coordinated by the journalist of SKAI and kathimerini.gr, Mr. Stavros Ioannidis, during the last day of the 9th Delphi Economic Forum.

The Forum was held in Delphi, April 10 – 13, under the auspices of the President of the Republic, Mrs. Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

Mr. Papatsas emphasized that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a huge shock for Europe’s leaders, since Europeans believed for about 2 decades that there would not be another large-scale war with conventional forces on the European continent. Αs a result, the necessary investments in the defence sector are not made, including those to strengthen its military power through the purchase of new systems.

The Russian invasion changed this perception and forced the EU member states to launch in 2022 a massive armament program to cover the gaps created in previous years.

Mr. Papatsas explained that the EU, implementing a collective policy, initiated a long-term process of strengthening the European defence industry, in order to increase its capabilities and productivity with the aim of achieving industrial and defence self-sufficiency.

Although Europe has always sought to have its own foreign and defence policy, the Russian invasion of Ukraine demonstrated Europe’s significant dependence on NATO for its security against enemies with major conventional powers, such as Russia.

In this collective EU effort to reorganize and strengthen the European defence industry, the Hellenic Defence Industry can contribute in specific sectors, such as Ammunition, Electro-Optical Systems (Night Vision, Thermal), Communications and C4ISR Systems.

In these areas, the Hellenic Defence Industry has proven that it can meet not only the needs of the Hellenic Armed Forces, but also achieve significant exports to international competitive markets.

Also read: HASDIG | Strengthening of the Hellenic Defence Industry through EDF’s European research programs and international collaborations