Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias announced on Sunday the creation of a new drone and anti-drone training school in Tripoli, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s Armed Forces through innovation and new technologies.
Speaking at events marking the 204th anniversary of the Fall and Liberation of Tripolitsa, Dendias represented Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and linked the historic memory of 1821 to today’s national responsibilities.
“The survival of Hellenism is our constitutional and national duty. Our country’s security is not a given, especially in today’s geopolitical environment. It requires both strong alliances and strong Armed Forces,” Dendias said, presenting the initiative as part of the government’s “Agenda 2030” for defence modernization.
The new school, which will focus on autonomous aerial vehicles (drones) and counter-drone systems, will mark a transformation for Tripoli.
“You will soon see the evolution from a traditional conscript training centre into a hub where innovation, new technologies and advanced capabilities become the main element of our Armed Forces,” Dendias added, stressing that this shift will also benefit the city itself.
The Minister highlighted that Greece needs equipped, flexible and capable Armed Forces to respond to modern challenges, noting:
“For every failure to defend sovereignty, there are deep-rooted causes. These causes must be addressed with unity and courage. Political cost should be irrelevant when national survival is at stake.”
Honouring 1821
Referring to the Fall of Tripolitsa in 1821, Dendias called it a turning point of the Greek War of Independence, as the collapse of the Ottoman stronghold in the Peloponnese reinforced the belief that liberation was possible.
“The generation of 1821 handed us the measure of responsibility through their struggle. They achieved the revival of Hellenism,” he said.
Dendias also paid tribute to the contradictions of modern Greek history: “It includes both virtue and treason, great national contribution and extreme corruption. But day and light prevail over night and darkness. Our responsibility is to keep Greece strong and resilient.”
Ceremonies in Tripoli
The Defence Minister attended a memorial service at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Basil, followed by wreath-laying ceremonies at the Monument of Archpriests and Elders and at the equestrian statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis.
He later watched a parade featuring units of the Hellenic Armed Forces and local cultural associations.
Also present at the celebrations were Parliament representatives, local officials, clergy, and citizens, including Odysseas Konstantinopoulos (representing the Speaker of Parliament), Deputy Minister of Education Konstantinos Vlasis, governor of the Peloponnese region Dimitris Ptochos, Tripoli mayor Kostas Tzioumis, and other dignitaries.
Source: tovima.com
