On July 18, 2025, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated in a ceremony at the Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA) for the official delivery of 164 new firefighting vehicles to the Hellenic Fire Service. The event, organized by the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, was also attended by EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib.

The new vehicles, worth €15.55 million, include various types—personnel transporters, equipment carriers, and all-terrain water tankers with 12,000-liter capacity. The acquisition is part of the national “AIGIS” program, co-funded by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility. In total, 296 new vehicles are expected to be delivered in 2025 and an additional 331 in 2026, aiming at a comprehensive upgrade of 1,400 vehicles in the Fire Service fleet by the program’s completion. These vehicles will be equipped with modern communication systems and next-generation firefighting technologies.

During his speech, Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasized that Greece is in the midst of one of the most challenging fire seasons in recent years due to extreme temperatures, strong winds, and the worsening climate crisis. In response, the government has deployed the largest firefighting force in its history—18,000 firefighters, over 1,500 forest commandos, and extensive aerial and ground support including 85 aircraft, more than 80 drones, and nearly 4,000 vehicles.

Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of European solidarity, thanking other EU countries for their support during crises. He noted that the 164 vehicles handed over represent just 1/10 of the total fleet that will be added through the AIGIS program.

Commissioner Lahbib praised the vehicles as symbols of protection, readiness, and European collaboration, calling the AIGIS program a landmark investment in civil protection.

Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis described AIGIS as more than a procurement initiative—it’s a joint national and European effort to safeguard people, nature, and local communities. He stressed that these resources translate into faster response times, saved lives, and protected forests.

TAIPED’s Panagiotis Stampoulidis, who oversaw the procurement process, stated that the Strategic Projects Unit successfully managed over 900 transparent tenders, proving the program’s efficiency and institutional collaboration.

The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of prevention, noting over €400 million has been invested in forest clearing, firebreak creation, and early intervention projects. He reiterated Greece’s full support for increased EU

funding for civil protection in the 2028–2034 budget and advocated for greater investment in climate adaptation, not just emissions reduction.
He closed by affirming the government’s commitment to equipping frontline responders with the tools they need to succeed. “Civil Protection appears when everyone else disappears—it is the face of the state when citizens need it most,” Mitsotakis said. He assured all emergency personnel of the government’s unwavering support during this difficult wildfire season.

© primeminister.gr