Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias visits Aerial Firefighting Squadron (355 TTS) and Maintenance Squadron at 112 Combat Wing, in Eleusis

Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias visits Aerial Firefighting Squadron (355 TTS) and Maintenance Squadron at 112 Combat Wing, in Eleusis

July 22, 2026

The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias, on the afternoon of Wednesday 22 July 2026 made a visit to Aerial Firefighting Squadron (355 Tactical Transport Squadron) and Aircraft Maintenance Squadron of the 112 Combat Wing, at Eleusis Air Base.

The Minister of National Defence, accompanied by the Chief/HAFGS, Lieutenant General (P) Dimosthenis Grigoriadis, was briefed by the Commander of the 355 Tactical Transport Squadron on its mission, task, and firefighting missions carried out since the beginning of the summer period, as well as on issues of maintenance, availability, and readiness of the Hellenic Air Force's aerial firefighting assets.

Subsequently, he toured the Aircraft maintenance Squadron, where he discussed with the pilots, the technical, and administrative personnel.

Mr. Dendias stated in his address:

"Chief, ladies and gentlemen,

My presence today at 112 Combat Wing symbolises and confirms the State's, the Hellenic Republic's, and the Greek society's recognition of the task of the Hellenic Air Force's personnel.

This task goes beyond the narrow limits of a military mission. The crews, the technical personnel, operate daily, often under harsh conditions, to safeguard human life, property, the natural wealth, and the natural resources of our Country.

Be it aerial firefighting, air evacuations, or the support of the National Health System and our Civil Protection more broadly. We have thus proven, in the clearest way, that the Armed Forces do not solely defend national sovereignty and the sovereign rights of our Country. They have a broader task as guarantors of the constitutional gift of the human life and property of the whole of Greek society, and even those of foreign visitors to Greece. They are ever at the side of Greek citizens, whenever needed. The State is aware, and ought to be aware of this mission, and must indeed support the mission you are carrying out.

First of all, by caring for the personnel of the Armed Forces, and also by upgrading our operational capabilities. By renewing and upgrading the fleet of firefighting aircraft. The aircraft behind me is decades old. It has served Greek society for decades, due to your tireless efforts so that it remains airworthy. Yet, the time has come for this generation of aircraft to be replaced by a more modern one.

Yet, the broader reform in the Armed Forces, what we have named "Agenda 2030", does not concern systems alone. It concerns the broader ability of the country to defend the constitutional rights and the lives and properties of citizens.

With this opportunity I would like to mention something which is à propos. Let us think of those who did not return from their mission. To the pilots of the firefighting aircraft who fell while fulfilling their duty. Let us honour them, remember them, and not forget them.

Their memory is a living reminder of the weight of this important national mission".

The visit was also attended by the Commanding General of Hellenic Air Force Support Command, Major General (P) Konstantinos - Savvas Tziovaras, the Commanding General of 112 Combat Wing, Brigadier General (P) Theodoros Christophilopoulos, the Commander of 355 Tactical Transport Squadron, Lieutenant Colonel (P) Emmanouil Mathioudakis, and the Commander of Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Lieutenant Colonel (AC Eng.) Christos Lalas.