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Greece enhances Coast Guard with 44 new vehicles under 'AEGIS' program
🇬🇷 Greece /Conflict & Security

Greece enhances Coast Guard with 44 new vehicles under 'AEGIS' program

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Greece has delivered 44 new vehicles to its Coast Guard to enhance operational capabilities.
  • The acquisition, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, is part of the 'AEGIS' program.
  • The initiative aims to strengthen the Coast Guard's role in maritime security and citizen safety.

Greece is bolstering its Coast Guard's operational capacity with the delivery of 44 new vehicles, a move aimed at enhancing maritime security and citizen safety. The vehicles will be distributed to Coast Guard authorities across the country.

The strengthening of the Coast Guard and the safety of the citizen are at the core of our policy.

— Vassilis KikiliasThe Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy highlighted the government's priorities during the vehicle handover ceremony.

This significant acquisition was financed through the European Regional Development Fund. The procurement process was managed by the Strategic Contracts Unit of the National Development Fund as part of the 'AEGIS' equipment program. This initiative underscores Greece's commitment to modernizing its security forces and leveraging European funding for national development.

Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, emphasized the importance of this upgrade. "The strengthening of the Coast Guard and the safety of the citizen are at the core of our policy," he stated. Kikilias highlighted that the new resources, combined with well-trained personnel and effective use of European funds, will significantly boost the Coast Guard's effectiveness.

This priority demonstrates in practice that modern means, appropriately trained staff, and the substantial utilization of European resources can lead to an upgrade of the role and effectiveness of the Coast Guard.

— Vassilis KikiliasThe Minister elaborated on how the new equipment and resources contribute to the Coast Guard's enhanced capabilities.

Looking ahead, Greece is planning 'AEGIS 2,' which will involve acquiring new offshore vessels, patrol boats, unmanned surface and underwater vehicles, aerial drones, and advanced surveillance systems. The goal is to create a modern operations center utilizing artificial intelligence to better respond to contemporary maritime needs, including port control, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) policing, and combating illegal fishing and environmental pollution.

We are moving forward with AEGIS 2, so that the Coast Guard will procure offshore vessels, patrol boats, unmanned surface and underwater vehicles, aerial drones, surveillance systems, VTMIS, and ESOTHE.

— Vassilis KikiliasThe Minister outlined future plans for further equipping the Coast Guard with advanced technology.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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