Greece, Israel, Kalamata and pilot training
Greece, Israel, Kalamata and pilot training which seems to bother many who construct various scenarios
The game of “omens” about the non-arrival of the Israeli Defense Minister in Kalamata has failed, no matter how much they annoy Greece and Israel who … dance the Kalamatian dance.
The new educational center that started its operation greeted him with “good morning”. The reason was the absence of the Minister of Defense and the Deputy Prime Minister of Israel Mr. Benjamin Gantz.
Suggestions
At armyvoice we had written from the first moment about the cancellation of Gantz’s visit to Greece due to reasons that require him to be in Israel.
However, those who like the scenarios discovered a ‘rupture’ in Greek-Israeli relations. And they insisted on it even after the phone call communication on the same day between Nikos Panagiotopoulos and Benny Gantz in which they underlined the importance of the implementation project of the International Flight Training Center in Kalamata, since this strengthens the relationship between Greece and Israel, which has been developing continuously, in many areas, in recent years.
The new training center has begun operations and its fleet is set to expand next year with the delivery of 19 Italian-made M-346 training aircraft, equipped with built-in virtual avionics that simulate combat and flight scenarios.
Although the flight school officially opened a few days ago, it will not be fully operational until early 2024, officials from Israel’s Elbit, which was involved in the project, said.
The creation of the International Flight Training Center, in the context of the implementation of the Agreement between the PA and the company “Elbit Systems Ltd”, aims at the overall reorganization of the flight training provided to the Pilots, through the creation of new levels of infrastructure, the increase of the offer her. of T-6 aircraft, the introduction of new synthetic flight simulators, as well as the arrival of the new M-346 training aircraft, within 2023 according to information.
The real reasons why the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not come
But why didn’t Mr. Ganj come? The Israeli government faces challenges on two fronts.
Both in the Palestinian territories and in areas of Syria where Iran acts in various ways. It is worth noting that until a few days ago, a whole month had passed without Israeli airstrikes in Syria.
However, on the day of the inauguration in Kalamata, air defense arrays were activated and intercepted Israeli missiles in the Damascus area.
But then over the weekend, Israeli warplanes targeted the western Damascus region at sites of air defense arrays belonging to the Assad regime.
Now if they launched the missiles to locate the points of the arrays so that they can take action the next day the aircraft is one of the operational scenarios.
What matters about the center in Kalamata and the absence of Ganj is that with plans such as the aforementioned underway it is practically impossible for the competent minister to be absent from the country.
If there was a Turkish finger
If there was a Turkish finger on Ganj’s absence and therefore cause for concern, as was attempted to be marketed, the Turks were not so much bothered by the opening.
In the relevant article of the Turkish sozcu it is stated that: O Hellenic Air Force Training Commander Georgios Vagenas openly bullies Turkey saying it will “make us ready for threats from our eastern neighbour”.
Greece and Israel have unshakable relations
Israel’s Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Benny Gantz, said: “The International Pilot Training Center is a venture that reflects the deep and strong bond between our countries and defense installations – a bond based on shared values and interests, as well as in many years of cooperation, which has a large copy in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
It is a strategy in the future possibilities of our friends, which will further promote Greek ties with Israel and international partners. I was pleased to speak today with my friend, the Greek Minister of Defense, and I want to emphasize that we will continue to deepen our cooperation.
The International Pilot Training Center is also a testament to the progress and operational experience of Israel’s defense industries. I would like to thank Elbit Systems, the Ministry of Defense and the IDF for their role in this important project.”
The President and CEO of Elbit Systems, Mr. Benhalel (Butzi) Machlis, said: “It is an honor for us to play our role in strengthening the strategic alliance between Greece and Israel.”
Therefore, the highest level of bilateral relations between the two countries should be considered indisputable.
The visits of political and military officials from both sides are too many. After all, the Panagiotopoulos-Gandz phone call also confirmed the common will of Greece and Israel to proceed together in strengthening and deepening their defense cooperation and to act as pillars of stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean region, within the framework of International Law.
Greek-Israeli relations remain amicable, however disturbing this may be. And the cooperation continues and expands in many areas. Even in Art.
And for the record, we recently had one digital art exhibition with the aim of promoting and reflecting on common Greek-Israeli values.