Greek and British defense ministers discuss Mediterranean security and defense innovation

Greek Minister of Defence Nikos Dendias and British Defence Secretary John Healey met in London to discuss regional security, with a focus on the Eastern Mediterranean and the ongoing conflict in Iran. During the talks, Minister Dendias ruled out the deployment of a Greek naval vessel to the Strait of Hormuz, citing the current regional instability. The two officials addressed the security of the Republic of Cyprus and examined Greece's broader defense initiatives within the EU and NATO, including collaborations with Bulgaria. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to bilateral cooperation in defense technology, specifically aiming to align the two countries' defense innovation ecosystems. The Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation (ELKAK) was identified as a key entity for this integration. Furthermore, both ministers emphasized the necessity of securing maritime trade routes and maintaining freedom of navigation. The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain close communication to coordinate actions regarding evolving geopolitical challenges.