Communication of the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias with the European Commissioner for Defence Industry and Space Andrius Kubilius, in the framework of the imminent[...]

Communication of the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias with the European Commissioner for Defence Industry and Space Andrius Kubilius, in the framework of the imminent operation of the European GOVSATCOM programme

June 13, 2025

The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendiasdiscussed today, Friday 13 June 2025, with the European Commissioner for Defence Industry and Space Andrius Kubilius, in the framework of the imminent operation of the European programme of secure governmental satellite communications (GOVSATCOM).

The communication was conducted through secure satellite video-call from the premises of the Eastern Mediterranean Command HQ (SDAM) of the Hellenic Navy, in Agia Paraskevi, with the Commissioner located at the European Union Space Programme Agency (EUSPA), in Prague, where a demonstration of the GOVSATCOM satellite communication took place, in the framework of the EU military operations.

The Minister of National Defence, during the communication, commended the initiative of the European Commissioner for Defence Industry and Space, for the promotion not just of the governmental hubs of GOVSATCOM, but also for the enhancement of the EU Space Programme in the field of Defence. "Today's event is not just a demonstration but it constitutes a European statement. It proves that under your leadership we can safeguard our interests, act decisively, secure our communications" underlined the Minister.

Greece has been chosen to host one of the two hubs of the GOVSATCOM programme upon a decision of the European Union on 18 December 2024. This decision reinforces the role of Greece in European space activities and internationally projects the technological adequacy and the strategic reliability of the Hellenic Armed Forces. Furthermore, it also brings forward the geopolitical and strategic role of our Homeland, as a pillar of security and stability of the European Union and it constitutes a tangible assurance of the trust demonstrated by the EU to the infrastructures and operational capabilities of our country.

Furthermore, in the framework of the communication, a connection was established with the Frigate "Psara", which participates in the European Operation ASPIDES, as well as with the Operational HQ in Larissa. During the communication, the leading operational role of Greece in the EU was stressed, in the field of security and defence, as the country leading the EU Operation ASPIDES.

Mr Dendias, while talking with the Commander, the Officers and the crew of the Frigate "Psara" which operates in the Red Sea, stressed that the ship's mission coincides with events which create a very fragile situation in the ship's area of patrol. "I am certain that you and your crew will execute your duties as always, with the highest degree of dedication and devotion to your mission". And I would also like to say, may Saint Nikolaos, whose icon is behind you and is overlooking at you, safeguard you, your crew and your ship. God bless you all" said the Minister.

Subsequently, Mr Dendias talked with the Operational Commander of "EUNAVFOR ASPIDES", Rear Admiral Vasilis GryparisHN. "Admiral Gryparis, it is a great pleasure to see you again from Larissa. Thank you for the work that you do. Your work here is so important and after commending the Commissioner, I would like to say that Greece is preparing to host one of the two hubs of the EU GOVSATCOM in Agios Ioannis. This constitutes a very strong statement on our part. Again I thank you very much for this opportunity" stressed the Minister.

The Chief of HNGS Vice Admiral Dimitrios - Eleftherios KatarasHN was also present during the communications.

In a post he made on Χ, the Minister of National Defence also stated, with regards to the hub of the GOVSATCOM programme, the satellite communications of our country and the "Achilles' Shield":

"The selection of Greece as the base of one of the programme's two hubs highlights our country's role as a pillar of security and stability in the EU.

Satellite communications constitute the sixth dimension of "Achilles' Shield", i.e. the holistic approach to effectively counter air, sea and submarine threats. It is not just a technological advancement, but the expansion of Defence into the space domain.

At the same time, it is part of a new national culture, where innovation is in the service of security and strategic readiness".