Michalis Katrinis, a PASOK MP and the party’s defence affairs coordinator, has highlighted the risk that confusion between the roles of the state and industry could weaken domestic defence production. In a question to Defence Minister Nikos Dendias about the unmanned craft “Pyropolite”, prepared in cooperation with the party’s defence sector, he raises concerns about the project.
The MP points to the problem created when the state calls on companies to invest while also developing its own solution, and at the same time sets requirements and evaluates systems. Without clear rules, companies face uncertainty over whether their proposals will be assessed on an equal footing and how they may be used in future.
His concern is also about the consequences for the Armed Forces themselves: discouraging investment limits the development of domestic expertise and production capabilities, on which the long-term support of their systems depends.
In his question, he recognises the importance of operational initiative by the Armed Forces, while seeking clarity on the respective roles of the General Staffs, the Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation (ELKAK) and domestic industry. The General Staffs should set requirements, test and evaluate systems, while domestic industry takes on their development, production and support.
He notes that, alongside the “Pyropolite”, ELKAK has invited 23 Greek companies and consortia to take part in a programme to develop two autonomous surface vessels, with a budget of €12 million.
Michalis Katrinis is seeking information on the relationship between the two programmes and any potential overlaps, the Greek companies involved, domestic value added, the origin of the subsystems, and rights to manufacture and support the systems. He is also asking for clarification on the procedures for awarding contracts to suppliers and contractors.