Arms procurements require consistency, transparency
How can corruption linked to arms be tackled and what do we lack in terms of materiel? The arms program must derive from the nature of the threat and the structure of the forces, taking into account technological advances and funds. Arms procurements must be consistent and be scrutinized together with their operational cost and durability. When new systems are acquired, their older counterparts must be withdrawn. That will reduce the operational cost and economize on human resources. As for combating corruption, any improvement to the existing legislation covering arms procurements and any measure to ensure their transparency and effectiveness is highly desirable and necessary. In conclusion, I want to point out that armaments have important political ramifications for Greece and this factor cannot be overlooked during the process of selecting weapons systems, without suggesting in any way that procurements should not be transparent. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my satisfaction that I am handing over to Admiral Panayiotis Hinofotis, a respected officer whose moral standards and professional abilities and leadership skills are the best guarantee for the success of our armed forces. I wish him good health and good luck in his new and important duties.
