The importance of close cooperation between the Diplomatic Service and the Hellenic Armed Forces was the prime focus of the "Defense Week", organised from 10 to 14 March, in cooperation with the Ministry of National Defense. It included study visits of the Hellenic Diplomatic Academy (HDA) to operational centres and military facilities in Athens, Chania and Larissa.
The Candidate Embassy Attachés, accompanied by the HDA Director, Ambassador Michalis Diamessis and the Director of Studies, First Counselor Michail Angelopoulos, had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the structure, function and operational capabilities of the Hellenic Armed Forces, their participation in international cooperation schemes and missions, as well as with the contemporary challenges in the fields of defense and security.
Following their meeting with the Commander in Chief of the Hellenic Fleet, Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos HN and a tour of a submarine and a frigate, the HDA proceeded to Crete, where they visited key military installations such as the U.S. Naval Support Activity in Souda Bay (NSA Souda Bay), the NATO Missile Firing Installation (NAMFI) and the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Centre of Excellence (IAMD CoE). The itinerary also included visits to the 115 Combat Wing, the Headquarters of the 5th Airborne Brigade, the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre and, of course, the Souda Naval Base.
In Athens, the "Defense Week" continued with visits to the Supreme Military Command of the Interior and Islands, the Hellenic Maritime Communication Headquarters, the 114 Combat Wing and the Hellenic Aerospace Industry.
In Larissa, the HDA met with the Commanding General of the Hellenic First Army, Lieutenant General Stavros Papastathopoulos, with Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis HN, Operational Commander of the “EUNAVFOR ASPIDES” and with Lieutenant General Panagiotis Georgakopoulos, Chief of the Hellenic Tactical Air Force.
In conclusion, the Candidate Embassy Attachés of the HDA attended presentations at the National Operations Centre and the Hellenic National Defense General Staff Headquarters of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defense in Athens.
March 20, 2025