A clear warning about developments in NATO and the role that Turkey is taking on was issued by Lieutenant General (retd) Ioannis Baltzoi, president of ELISME, speaking to Naftemporiki TV.
A clear warning about developments in NATO and the role that Turkey is taking on was issued by Lieutenant General (retd) Ioannis Baltzoi, president of ELISME, speaking to Naftemporiki TV.
Mr. Baltzoi referred to the new architecture of the Alliance, speaking of a “NATO 3.0”, in which the United States will have less operational and financial involvement, shifting more weight to European allies. As he explained, this means more defense spending, greater pressure for assistance to Ukraine and control of the national defense production of member states.
According to him, Greece may be numerically meeting its defense spending targets, but the critical issue is not just the percentage of GDP. The real issue is where the money is going and whether the country has a productive base capable of supporting its needs.
Greek defense
The president of ELISM noted that NATO's new logic is not limited to purchasing armaments, but also requires national defense production. There, as he emphasized, Turkey is starting from a much better starting point, as it has developed a strong defense industry, unlike Greece, where state defense industries are not at the level they should be.
Mr. Baltzoi acknowledged that there are Greek private companies that have developed significantly in the defense sector, such as Metlen, GEK TERNA and Theon, however, he insisted that serious state intervention and an organized plan are needed. He even referred to PYRKAL and Hellenic Defense Systems, noting that Greece still has capabilities in the production of ammunition, especially 155 mm projectiles.
The sharpest point of his intervention concerned Turkey. The lieutenant general (ret.) argued that Ankara seeks to enter European and NATO defense schemes, such as SAFE, taking advantage of its strong defense industry and the geopolitical situation. He accused European circles of ignoring or downplaying the occupation of Cyprus, the threats against Greece and the presence of Turkish troops in many areas.
Regarding the prospect of granting two NATO headquarters to Turkey, Mr. Baltzoi was categorical. He characterized the development as “not good at all for Greece” and emphasized that its seriousness will depend on the responsibilities and area of operation that will be given to the specific headquarters. He attributed particular importance to the headquarters in Adana, as, as he said, it is logical for it to be connected to Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
He noted that Greece should have reacted more strongly, as Turkey's assumption of such roles strengthens its position within the Alliance. He even pointed out that the corresponding NATO formations could have been given to Greece, recalling the existence of the NDC-GR in Thessaloniki.
Mr. Baltzoi also commented on the issue of F110 engines to Turkey, emphasizing that this is clearly a defense material. As he said, an engine intended for a combat aircraft cannot be treated as something neutral or unrelated to defense. For the F-35, he estimated that Turkey's return to the program remains extremely difficult to almost impossible.
On the Ukrainian front, the president of ELISME assessed that significant developments are coming, claiming that Russian forces have accelerated their advance and that the entire Donetsk region may be under Russian control by the end of the year or even earlier. He also referred to information about the possible deployment of 30.000 North Koreans in the northern sector, near Kiev, while also speaking of pressure from hard-line circles in Moscow for escalation.
In closing, Ioannis Baltzoi stressed that Greece should not passively face developments. The strengthening of Turkey within NATO, the pressure for defense spending, the need for domestic production and the instability in Ukraine and the Middle East create an environment where Athens needs a clear strategy, voice and preparation.
The video.
