Dimitris Houpis is the new Greek military chief

The Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA) meeting at Megaro Maximos concluded with the end of Konstantinos Floros's four-year term as the head of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (GEETHA).

The head of the Special Warfare Command, Dimitris Houpis, takes over the position of the Chief of GEETHA. Originally from Serres, Mr. Houpis is a graduate of the class of '87, while the current captains are 3 and 4 years older.

At the same time, new Chiefs of the General Staff of the Army (GES), the General Staff of the Navy (GEN) and the General Air Staff (GEA) were decided. Fleet Chief Dimitris Kataras assumed the position of A/GEN. The position of A/GES was accepted by Giorgos Kostidis and A/GEA by Dimosthenis Grigoriadis.

The following is a statement by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis regarding Konstantinos Floros:

"The four-year term of General Konstantinos Floros as the Head of the Greek Army coincided with a period of great geopolitical fluidity and crises. But also with years of significant defence and diplomatic upgrading of the country.

"His contribution was invaluable, both in the face of challenges of a conventional or hybrid form and in the planning and implementation of the government program for the quantitative and qualitative strengthening of the Armed Forces.

"The General oversaw the implementation of our National Defence plan after years of inactivity. He promoted interdisciplinary cooperation, the enhanced role of Special Forces, and cooperation with our allies.

"He spearheaded our strategic engagement with the United States, France, Egypt, Israel, the UAE and other countries. At the same time, he worked methodically for the military upgrading of Greece in the context of NATO and Europe.

"Finally, he gave a new dimension to the tradition of the decisive contribution of the Armed Forces in dealing with natural disasters and emergency situations. As a true leader, he always served his duty to the motherland first.

"General, thank you for such a productive tenure, which helped make Greece even stronger and prouder. These years are another medal among the many accompanying your chest next to the coat of arms you honoured."

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