Nexans requested NAVTEX for the surveys of the Crete–Cyprus electricity interconnection, while a request has been submitted to the Hellenic Coast Guard for the exceptional use of a French research vessel within Greek territorial waters. According to reports, Turkey is not changing its stance and is awaiting Athens's moves.
Why it matters Because the Crete–Cyprus interconnection is the field where Turkey's stance in the Eastern Mediterranean and Greek readiness are being tested.
Greek Patriots remain in Saudi Arabia, Dendias announced
A Patriot missile launcher firing a missile outdoors during daytimeImage: militaire.grIllustration: Military missiles pointed towards the sky against a cloudy backgroundIllustration: Pixabay · licence
Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias, after Riyadh, visited the personnel of the Greek artillery battery that protects Aramco facilities and announced that it will remain in Saudi Arabia, without specifying a time duration. The cost of the mission remains open, while Turkey is strengthening its cooperation with Riyadh.
Why it matters Because Greek personnel remain without a declared time horizon in a sensitive region.
Parallel exercises in Cyprus: Greek F-16s in the bombing mission of 'IRIS–2026'
Soldiers, a fighter jet and paratroopers during military exercises outdoorsImage: armyvoice.grIllustration: A military jet fighter in flight leaving smoke trails behindIllustration: Pixabay · licence
The 'IRIS–2026' exercise of the National Guard has been completed, with Greek F-16s in a bombing mission and, for the first time, the use of domestically made drones. At the same time, Turkish forces carried out exercises on the island with different operational scenarios.
Why it matters Because the simultaneous activity in Cyprus reflects the tension on the island.
NEXANS SA submitted a request to the Foreign Ministry for the issuance of a NAVTEX, while an exceptional permit was requested for the use of the French research vessel ABEILLE MARENGO, so that the surveys and the laying of the Crete–Cyprus cable can restart. The project is entering a new phase, given the Turkish reactions that have already been manifested.
Why it matters Because the course of the Great Sea Interconnector is the most likely point of Greek-Turkish crisis in this period.
Dendias–Pistorius in Crete: IRIS-T and Patriot firings, Type 212CD on the table
Nikos Dendias hosted at the Crete Firing Range his German counterpart Boris Pistorius, with certification firings of the IRIS-T SLM and Patriot in the context of the exercise “SPARTAN ARROW - 26”. The meeting also raised the possible acquisition of German Type 212CD submarines, while Berlin is pressing for new armaments programs.
Why it matters Because this meeting will determine the country's next major armaments steps and European defense cooperation.
The head of the American mission in Athens is now, as chargé d'affaires, Joshua Huck, until there is a development for the filling of the ambassador's post. The White House had requested the resignation of Kimberly Guilfoyle.
Why it matters Because the vacant ambassador post leaves Greece's most important bilateral relationship in a transitional phase.
The White House requested the resignation of the American ambassador in Athens, Kimberly Guilfoyle, one day after Donald Trump had stated that he was considering her removal, following a series of reports against her. Guilfoyle accepted the request, defended her record, while the process of selecting and confirming her successor by the Senate is pending.
Why it matters The head of American diplomacy in Athens changes at a time of intense Greek-American and regional developments.
The “Pyrpolitis” and the Navy’s plan for mass production of unmanned vessels
At the inauguration of the Center for Joint Training of Unmanned and Autonomous Maritime Systems in Skaramangas, the Greek unmanned surface vessel “Pyrpolitis” was presented. Nikos Dendias set a target for the mass production of cheap USVs and for Greece to be first in Europe by 2030, while an official request was also submitted to the US for the procurement of new vessels.
Why it matters The emphasis on unmanned systems changes the way the Navy plans operations in the Aegean and gives a role to domestic industry.
New note verbale from Tripoli on surveys south of Crete
Tripoli is threatening Athens with non-delimitation of maritime zones, in the context of the dispute over surveys south of Crete. Diplomatic sources in Athens say that the note verbale is not new and that Greece has already replied, with dialogue continuing without its sovereign rights being affected.
Why it matters It directly touches the Greek continental shelf and the energy field south of Crete.
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