STRENGTHENING DETERRENCE AND DEFENCE
Constant patrols by NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 2 have helped disrupt the migration routes used by both refugees and terrorists (PHOTO: GBR N LPHOT PAUL HALL/CROWN COPYRIGHT VIA MARCOM NATO)
In this respect, we can easily argue that NATO’s maritime presence in the Aegean should not only be maintained, but also expanded, so that the Aegean Activity achieves its full potential. Firstly, the patrol areas should be stretched to include all affected areas. Next, flight operations should be initiated, in order to support the activity in a more cost- effective way. In summary, the Aegean Sea is a vital region for Greece, with numerous islands that have an extended area of territorial waters, where Hellenic armed forces are continuously present. Needless to say, I express my appreciation for NATO’s Aegean Activity, and I thank all of my colleagues who are contributing with their personnel and vessels. The activity exhibits the coherence and solidarity of our Alliance and should be seen as an “assurance measure” against the hybrid threat that is hiding in the migrant flows.
NATO SUMMIT 2018 – BRUSSELS
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Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 – up to June 2018 Commander SNMG2 Commodore Mike Utley, Royal Navy
HMS Duncan – Flagship Royal Navy D37 – Type 45-class Air-Defence Destroyer
FGS Bayern German Navy F217 Brandenburg-class Frigate
ALS Butrinti
TCG Karaburun Turkish Navy P-1201 - Tuzla-class Patrol Boat
HS Kalypso Hellenic Navy
Albanian Naval Force
M64 – Osprey-class Coastal
P134 – Damen Stan 4207 patrol boat
Minehunter
HS Polemistis
HS Grigoropoulos
Hellenic Navy
Hellenic Navy
P-61 – HSY-55 Gunboat Class
P70 Fast Attack Craft Roussen-class