Ever since 2000, former National Defense minister Akis Tsohadzopoulos arranged the purchase of four Zubr aircraft-carriers from Russia and Ukraine. This ship, also known as hovercraft, has the potential for carrying 400 soldiers, tanks, and is built to attack from sea to land. What’s special about it is that it was designed for the endless shores of Russia. During 2001, when the carriers were received, it became evident that the hovercrafts are not suitable for the Aegean shores.

The concrete at the military port in Salamina came out to be too hard for those ships, and as a result after each mission they had to be repaired. This purchase cost the Greek taxpayers 67 billion Drachmas during 2000, apart from the cost for the repairs and support. The fall of the Apache helicopter on November 5^th and the death of two pilots tragically proved that the Greek government spends outrageous amounts of money without taking into account the lives of those who have to run the defected machines. Very expensive and problematic have proven to be also the submarines, which tilt on one side, “blind” military planes, and frigates.

Managing the budget for military equipment becomes of importance on the financial crisis background. We note this, because a decision have been made for three billion Euros to be spent for the delivery of six new frigates and in few years it is expected for another three billion to be spent on the delivery of military planes. Just few days ago Prime-minister Kostas Karamanlis said that the national defense expenses for 2009 will be cut with 15%. He explained that the saved finances will be invested in strengthening the social expenses budget.