On February 10, the scheduled opening of the state-of-the-art International Flight Training Center in Kalamata, based at the 120th Air Training Wing (NAP), will take place. The guest of honor is Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benjamin Ganj.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the center will be a clear manifestation of the further strengthening of relations between Greece and Israel, and will send a clear message to Turkey. It is expected that pilots from almost all Mediterranean countries will be able to undergo effective air training in it. And of course, first of all, students of the Icarus school of the Greek Air Force will be able to study there all the secrets of modern fighter aviation navigation.
The ceremony is expected to be attended by Minister of National Defense Nikos Panagiotopoulos, Chief of the General Staff General Konstantinos Floros, new Commander of Tactical Aviation Lieutenant General Georgios Fasoulas, Deputy Prime Minister of Israel and Minister of Defense Benny Gantz, representatives of the Israeli company Elbit Systems Ltd, which has been working with the Hellenic Air Force Center for 22 years and received an invitation to participate.
The decision on the arrival of Israeli representatives in Greece was made at a time when Turkey is trying in every possible way to get closer to the country of the Middle East. However, the warm friendly relations between Greece and Israel at all levels do not seem to be affected.
Greece has been relentlessly bolstering the country’s defenses amid tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean with its impulsive neighbor, Turkey. Biggest Deal between Greece and Israel designed to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the two countries. The press service of the Israeli Ministry of Defense reported on the signing of the contract in April 2021.
The $1.65 billion contract was the largest in the history of bilateral relations. In Greece, the creation of an international center for flight training and the training of pilots of the Greek Air Force is planned for 22 years. The center will be modeled after the Israeli Air Force Flight Academy. Benny Gantz, Israeli Defense Minister, commenting on the conclusion of the contract, said:
“The agreement reflects the excellent and developing relationship we have with Greece. This is a long-term partnership that will serve both the interests of Greece and those of Israel, a partnership that will promote stability in the Mediterranean and create hundreds of jobs in both countries.”
The $1.65 billion contract was the largest in the history of bilateral relations. In Greece, the creation of an international center for flight training and the training of pilots of the Greek Air Force is planned for 22 years. The center will be modeled after the Israeli Air Force Flight Academy. Benny Gantz, Israeli Defense Minister, commenting on the conclusion of the contract, said:
“The agreement reflects the excellent and developing relationship we have with Greece. This is a long-term partnership that will serve both the interests of Greece and those of Israel, a partnership that will promote stability in the Mediterranean and create hundreds of jobs in both countries.”
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