Greek military chief: We are ready to respond to Türkiye within five minutes
Greek Chief of General Staff General Dimitrios Houpis made sharp remarks against Türkiye during the 10th Delphi Economic Forum held between 9–12 April in Delphi. Speaking at a panel moderated by Alpha TV journalist Kostas Sarikas, Houpis labeled Türkiye as a “threat” and declared that the Greek Armed Forces are ready to intervene “within five minutes” if required.
MILITARY STRENGTH AND DETERRENCE
Houpis emphasized that Greece has significantly boosted its military capabilities in recent years. “Deterrence can only be achieved through strength,” he said. He accused Türkiye of adopting a revisionist stance, claiming that new issues are being raised daily. “The armed forces are ready for anything. Greek citizens should feel no doubt or concern over such statements. We consider many of them to be largely psychological,” he added.
UNCONDITIONAL READINESS
Responding to questions regarding Türkiye’s NAVTEX announcements and growing presence in the Mediterranean, Houpis stressed, “We are unconditionally and resolutely prepared. If necessary, we will respond within five minutes.” He also stated that a chief of general staff can never truly sleep soundly, noting that operational gaps created during Greece’s financial crisis have largely been resolved, placing the country in a much stronger position today.
LONG-TERM DEFENSE PLANNING AND TECHNOLOGICAL MODERNIZATION
For the first time, Greece has adopted a 12-year military budget planning strategy, Houpis announced. He highlighted that the new defense policy is integrated with technological advancements, with unmanned systems, particularly drones, playing a pivotal role. Referring to Türkiye’s developments in this field, Houpis remarked, “As technologies evolve, so do counter-technologies.”
According to Houpis, the new armament program is built on five key pillars: enhancing the efficiency and operational capacity of current systems; introducing new platforms to naval and air forces; strengthening the defense line in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean (known as the ‘Shield of Achilles’); expanding the operational range of air and naval units; and leveraging the strategic advantage of island-based land forces.
CALL TO YOUTH: “SERVING THE HOMELAND IS A DUTY”
Concluding his speech, General Houpis addressed the younger generation, urging them to consider military service not just as a career path but as a meaningful duty to the nation. “Serving in the armed forces contributes to national security and offers a fulfilling life,” he said.
