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2014-01-01
It is of great importance, the assistance which UAE provide worldwide wherever and whenever required
By: Major Jassim Shaheen AlBloushi
In an interview to Nation Shield, Lt General Evangelos Tournas, Chief of Hellenic Air Force, has heaped praise on the UAE Air Force’s humanitarian efforts worldwide and reaffirmed the excellent cooperation between the defence forces of the two nations. Excerpts:
You have an extensive program for training. Do you offer training for cadets from other countries particularly from the GCC?
Primary, I would like to kindly thank you for your invitation to give an interview to such privilege journal. It is a great opportunity for me, to express my best impressions about the UAE Air Force humanitarian efforts worldwide and confirm the excellent cooperation between the two Defense forces. In recent years, there are common interests, especially in the military affairs. All these activities are taking place in a very good climate of cooperation, as a corollary to excellent relations between the two countries.
For many decades, training in HAF is one of the main pylons for our air force capability development. Through years, multilateral and extensive training programs have been established between HAF and foreign armed forces.
Through bilateral agreements, we are capable to provide training to foreign cadets who qualify for our Air Force Academy or other training programs. We have already established such agreements with countries from the MENA region and their officers have participated in courses such as the Water Survival Course. In the very near future, officers from UAE will attend our Accident Prevention Course. When it comes to the Air Force Academy, we maintain the experience and resources to develop skilled officers and to provide excellent air and ground training for future air force leaders. Personally, I will welcome such cooperation initiatives between our countries and I believe that such tie will facilitate the development of future bonds between our air force leaders.
What are the key humanitarian missions where Hellenic Air Force was involved?
Hellenic Air Force is socially responsible and sensitive when such cases occur. We are always ready to provide support during emergency situations or humanitarian crises around the world, either nationally or under a UN mandate. Our response to such situations is immediate, and despite the scarce resources and the ongoing budget limitations, we have executed more than 80 humanitarian missions during the last 10 years, from S.E. Asia, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Balkans to Africa (For instance, in Afghanistan (2002), Thailand and Sri Lanka (tsunami 2005), Pakistan, Russia, Lebanon (2006), Uganda (2007), Armenia, Georgia (2008), Libya (2011).
Last year Greece withdrew its troops from Afghanistan. To what extent was your air force involved in the operations there?
Last year, it was only Hellenic Army forces that withdrew from Afghanistan. However, Hellenic Air Force continues to participate in the ongoing ISAF mission. Apart from that, taking over the Command of Kabul International Airport (KAIA) twice, in 2005 and 2010, HAF has been participating since 2011 with Mentor teams who provide training to Afghan Air Force. With their expertise and high level of proficiency, they contribute mainly in the areas of maintenance and procedures, for the Afghan Air Force Transport Aircraft.
What are your impressions about the IDEX defense expo in Abu Dhabi?
The International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) is of great importance, not only within the MENA region but globally. It is a unique opportunity for defense stakeholders and supporting participants, around the globe, to communicate and ensure the connectivity between new concepts, technological innovation and market requirements. IDEX Organizers offer services of great value to the international defence community. Furthermore, IDEX offers the opportunity to witness the remarkable achievements of the UAE aerospace industry, its capability portfolio and its growth potential, as a result of strong industrial Leadership and defence market responsiveness.
Dubai Air Show has been a premier event in the aviation and defense sector. How do you evaluate this year’s edition as the show was moved to bigger and better venue?
The International Exhibition in Dubai has managed to give a different note in aviation world. It has become a globally renowned show, with privileged exhibitors from various defense industrial segments. Despite Dubai Airshow’s focus on trade and airliners, in recent years, many military and aerospace companies engage in this Air show. This year’s edition is expected to be the largest in history and it is a significant advantage that it has moved to a more suitable venue. The Dubai World Center has the appropriate resources to support the success of Dubai Airshow’s mission.
How do you evaluate the cooperation between UAE and Greece? Do you have any plans to increase the cooperation?
The cooperation between our countries is excellent, as a result of our traditionally warm relationships. Furthermore, I am confident that our bilateral military cooperation can be expanded beyond the individual training area, including of flight training or perhaps combat training exercises. These possible areas of cooperation are currently examined by HAF.
How do you evaluate the humanitarian efforts of UAE Air force worldwide?
Thank you very much for this question. You give me the opportunity to express my appreciation to the staff of the UAE Air Force. It is of great importance, the assistance which UAE provide worldwide wherever and whenever required in almost every humanitarian assistance. This assistance offers valuable hope to people who suffer due to war and natural disasters. Special mention should be given to the continuous assistance provided on Palestinian people, to Libya, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen. Such social initiatives shall complement the Air Force Mission during peacetime.
Biography
Lieutenant General Evangelos Tournas is Chief of Staff of the Hellenic Air Force. As Chief, he is responsible for the organization, training and equipping of all military and civilian personnel of the Hellenic Air Force serving in Greece and overseas. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the general and other service chiefs function as military advisers to the Minister of National Defence. He assumed his duties on March 9th, 2013.
Before his assumption of duties as Chief of the HAFGS, he served as Chief of Tactical Air Force and the Commander of the Combined Air Operations Center 7 (CAOC 7). He served as Air Attache at the Hellenic Embassy in Germany. He has more than 4000 flight hours. He has flown: T-41D, T-37B/C, T-2E, T-33A/B, F-5A/B, Mirage F-1CG and Mirage 2000 aircraft.
Medals - Decorations
• Order of Honor Commander’s Badge
• Grand Commander’s Badge of “Order of Phoenix”
• Medal of Military Merit 1st Class
• Air Force Formation Command Medal 3rd Class
• Air Force Meritorious Command Medal 1st Class
• Staff Officer Service Commendation Medal 1st Class.
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