The General Director of National Defence Policy and International Relations of the Ministry of National Defence Dr. Kostantinos Balomenos participated on February 9, 2022 in a workshop organised by HNDGS on “The Armed Forces in Space Orbit”. The conference was opened by Chief of the HNDGS and the General Secretary for Telecommunications and Posts of the Ministry of Digital Governance, with the participation among others of representatives of the General Staffs, the industry and research and technology bodies of our country.
Dr Balomenos, in his brief greeting, highlighted the importance of Space in the field of National Defence, both at national and European level, as well as at Allied level. He pointed out that Space, as it exists today, is a multifaceted and multidimensional area, which changes the perceptions pertaining to its use, in favor of the development and power of each country. The new space technologies, data and services that have been developed and implemented are dramatically changing the economy, security and everyday life of States for their benefit.
He also stated that European Union has already marked the beginning of a new era for its space programme, which it calls “New Space”, with a view to creating more opportunities for the European economy and its citizens. In this way, European Union will ensure secure and up-to-date data and services, economic growth, enhanced security and autonomy, as well as a stronger role in the space sector. In that regard, the requirement for a dual use of the infrastructures of the European satellite programme, that is to say, for defence and security purposes, is clearly demonstrated.
Finally, he referred to the field of national defence, stressing that Space constitutes now a new dimension in the military power (in addition to land, sea and air domains), which makes it a field of exploitation and a multiplier of power at all levels, i.e. strategic, operational and tactical.
In conclusion, the General Director underlined the need for the implementation of a National Space Defence Policy, which, as he said, is in the final stage of its drafting by the General Directorate of National Defence Policy and International Relations of the Ministry National Defence.
