The Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Lieutenant General Demosthenes Grigoriadis, spoke about the decisive role Space now plays as an operational domain and the strategic importance of establishing the new Space Operations Command during his address at the Command’s inauguration ceremony at Dekeleia Air Base today, Monday 9 November 2026.
He said rapid geopolitical developments and modern armed conflicts confirm the continuing expansion of the arena of military operations beyond the traditional boundaries of land, sea and air. In this context, Space has emerged as a distinct operational domain and a significant force multiplier, having a decisive influence on the planning, coordination and effectiveness of operations.
Referring to lessons from operations in Ukraine and recent conflicts in the Middle East, the Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff highlighted the importance of satellite communications, intelligence gathering, surveillance, satellite navigation and early warning. He also noted that disruption to these services could have a decisive impact on the course of operations, stressing that “uninterrupted access to space applications and the resilience of related infrastructure are now integral elements of national defence”.
He placed particular emphasis on the establishment of the Space Operations Command, describing it as an important step in the modernisation of the Armed Forces. As he explained, this is not simply the creation of a new organisational structure, but “a substantive investment in our operational readiness”, in strengthening deterrence and in creating the conditions needed to address emerging challenges and threats.
Drawing on international experience, he referred to the establishment of specialist Space Commands by the United States and France, as well as NATO’s recognition of Space as an operational domain. These developments, he noted, demonstrate the strategic importance attached to this dimension of defence and the need to strengthen international cooperation and interoperability, and to draw on the expertise of military and civilian organisations.
Referring to Greece’s progress in this area, he said the country had already taken significant steps, including the use of satellite communications to support military operations, participation in European space cooperation programmes and the development of national satellite surveillance capabilities.
He also noted that the recent launch of Greek microsatellites, combined with prospects for further development of space infrastructure, creates new opportunities for intelligence gathering, improving situational awareness and faster decision-making.
According to the Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, the Air Force’s new Command is tasked with serving as the central body for developing and coordinating national military space capabilities. Its core missions include using satellite data, monitoring the space environment, early warning, and supporting communications and navigation.
He also highlighted the importance of planning new infrastructure, integrating innovative technologies and using artificial intelligence applications, which are expected to help shape a resilient and effective operational architecture. He also stressed the importance of cooperation with the domestic defence industry, research institutions and international partners, with the aim of gaining access to advanced capabilities and strengthening national expertise.
In this context, he stressed that jointness is a fundamental prerequisite for the initiative’s success, since space capabilities are not the preserve of a single service but act as a force multiplier for the Armed Forces as a whole. Integrating them into operational planning, he said, would strengthen cooperation, coordination and the effectiveness of joint operations.
At the same time, he placed particular emphasis on personnel, whom he described as crucial to the success of the new Command. He said specialised training, the development of modern doctrines and the systematic application of operational lessons would form the foundations for its continued development.
The Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff also expressed his warm thanks to everyone who worked with dedication to establish the new Command and bring it into operation.
Addressing its personnel, he stressed that they were taking on “a demanding mission of particular national importance”, urging them to draw on their professionalism, commitment to duty, innovative thinking and spirit of cooperation to turn technological capabilities into a tangible operational advantage.
Concluding his address, he stressed that “Space is no longer a distant prospect” but has already become part of operational reality, noting that the choice now is to shape, with strategic vision and determination, the capabilities that will safeguard the strength and security of the Homeland in the future.
SOURCE: AMNA