Nikos Dendias: “Greece again has a fleet of transport aircraft”

Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias visited the air base 112 Squadron in Elefsina and stated that “country again has a fleet of transport aircraft“

He noted that Greece is now capable of supporting operations, missions and humanitarian tasks, protecting people, lives and property.

Speaking at an event dedicated to social mission Air Force in honor of Archangel Michael, the patron saint of aviation, Dendias emphasized that “the revival of the transport aircraft fleet began many years ago and went through serious difficulties – technical and legal” Today, he said, “on the Elefsina airstrip we see the real result of these efforts“

Παρουσία ΥΕΘΑ @NikosDendias ? Αεροπορίας στην 112 ΠΜhttps://t.co/b1xnFY5Wmq
ΒΙΝΤΕΟ:https://t.co/vfgmY0oqJm pic.twitter.com/ZUIBd3ZvFO

— Υπουργείο Εθνικής Άμυνας (@Hellenic_MOD) November 5, 2025

The minister recalled that “until recently the country had one or none C-130 and one or none C-27 in working order.” Now, according to him, there are ten aircraft on the runway – “five + five”, two more are undergoing scheduled maintenance, that is, in total, they are in service twelve transport workers. Also, he added, seven Super Puma helicopters are in service, two are in maintenance. “This is a completely different reality,” the minister emphasized.

Dendias said that Greece can now “maintain the presence of our armed forces not only within national borders, but also where the interests, principles and humanism of our country require it” The long-term twelve-year program includes the purchase of new transport aircraft to “strengthen and expand the capabilities of the Air Force“

Speaking about the humanitarian mission of aviation, he emphasized that the Air Force is “guardians of life, property and natural wealth of Greece” Since the beginning of 2025, aviation has completed 1,164 firefighting operations (2,637 hours) and 1,372 medical evacuations (more than 4,000 hours), transporting 2,148 patients and 33 donor organs. “These numbers are not statistics, these are human lives,” Dendias said.

The minister also said that the program is being implemented deliveries of new firefighting aircraft 515 and modernization 415 within the framework of the Aegis project. After completion “Agenda 2030” Greece will have 200 modern combat platforms with exponentially increased power, including new anti-missile systems and, for the first time, the development of unmanned aerial vehicles.

“We must change and develop in order to maintain air deterrent capability. Modern armed forces must not only be strong, but also socially sensitive, present alongside citizens in all trials,” he said. Dendias emphasized that the state is obliged to support both the people and the personnel of the armed forces: new salary, special allowances for pilots And compensation for night hours – these are steps to recognize their work.

Separately, the minister paid tribute to the memory 166 pilots killed in the line of duty since 1974by calling them “a sacred heritage, reminiscent of the duty to defend heaven and homeland.”

Addressing the Air Force personnel, Dendias noted their “professionalism, readiness and dedication”, which strengthen public trust. He thanked the technical staff and crews, “working continuously to ensure that the aircraft, paid for by Greek taxpayers, are ready for firefighting, medevac and search and rescue missions.”

At the end of the visit, the minister, accompanied by the Chief of the Air Force General Staff Dimosthenis Grigoriadisinspected the fleet C-130, C-27J and Super Puma helicoptershaving undergone maintenance and lined up on the runway. He noted that thanks to the renovations in recent years Air Force operational capabilities have increased significantly, and their contribution to society has become more tangible.

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