Lt Gen ( Ret ) Ippokratis Daskalakis
Director of Studies The Hellenic Institute for Strategic Studies ( HEL . I . S . S .)
Lieutenant General ( ret ) Ippokratis Daskalakis graduated from the Hellenic Military Academy ( 1983 ) and he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in Artillery . He was serving in different Field and Air-Defense Artillery Units and he was attending all Courses as provided to his rank . He trained in the Air Defense HAWK System in Fort Bliss , USA and in the Strategic Intelligence Course in Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington , DC . His international tour includes 3 years in AFSOUTH , Section Chief in J2 and 3 years in SHAPE , Branch Director in Military Cooperation Division . In May 2011 he took over the Command of NATO MISSILE FIRING INSTALLATIONS ( NAMFI ) until April 2013 when he was retired . He graduated from the School of the International and European Studies of “ Panteio ” University . He holds a “ Master ” Degree in the same University concerning International Relations and Strategic Studies . In June 2020 , he received PhD in the International Relations . He is member of the Hellenic Institute for Strategic Studies holding the task of Director of Studies .
" Modernization and replacement of weapon systems of the National Guard . Proposals for structure and staffing of the National Guard "
In Cyprus , we face a new geopolitical environment , with existing security problems , new challenges , and new Opportunities . It is necessity the modernization and the replacement of the weapons systems of the Cyprus National Guard . This reorganization should give answers to the Security issues , Hybrid threats and the Defence problems . We should move to a new flexible army with stronger power in the new multi-dimension battle environment . Lessons learned form Ukrainian war should be taken into consideration keeping in mind the particular conditions of the Cyprus environment including the possible enemy . Any solution should be based on Commonality , Interoperability , and Integration for all armed forces , security forces and civil protection agencies . In any case , first priority should be the Modernization or replacement of old weapons systems , alongside the procurement of new systems that will incorporate new technologies , with priority given to strengthening the Navy and Air Force of the National Guard . For the Navy that means : Small and flexible , patrol vessel equipped with Guided Missiles and UAVs , Surface- Anti ship Guided Missiles ( well protected ), Unmanned Underwater Vehicles ( UUVs ), Integrated C4ISR with targeting abilities , and Target designation ( to friendly vessel-aircrafts ) systems . For Air Force : Small and flexible , Anti Aircraft systems , Defense against UAVs , Wide use of UAV ( reconnaissance , offensive strikes ), Helicopters ( attack , general purposes ), Integrated C4ISR system with targeting abilities , and arget designation ( to friendly aircrafts ) systems . Land forces should focus on : Survivability of the troops and assets , Dispersion , Mobility , Reduce enemy targeting , Reliable communications , Electronic Warfare , Anti-Tank , Anti-Aircraft abilities , Small & flexible units with increased fire power , and Training . Generally speaking we need comprehensive solutions , Not only a weapon system but the best combination of different capabilities , Reliable communications with other systems-echelons , Flexibility of the weapon transporter ( vehicle-vessel etc ), Ammunition replenishment , Spare parts and Maintenance , Training simulators , and Interoperability with other weapon systems .