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Heraclitus considers war as a creative force: The clash of elements brings about the creation of new elements. The form or composition of the new depends on the mixture of the various elements. The whole phrase is: "War of all thingsὑn father ἐin, of all thingsὑ king, ma'amI ensuresyous mὑoh godyouς eshow ityouas dὑ ἀpeople, theyous mὑn slaves ἐwho wrote ityouas dὑ ἐfree people'('War is the father of all, the king of all, and it has made some gods and some men, some slaves and some free. Thus, the philosophical phrase of Heraclitus became a great proverb as a metaphorical expression "war is the father of all" and is widely used today in all human activities (economy, trade, etc.) as a struggle for survival, not necessarily with weapons. Thus, war is the laboratory for creating new developments, situations and general perceptions for future wars, but also all areas of human activities.

Analysis of wars

Analyzing the two wars in Europe and the Middle East, and especially the war in Ukraine, we find that it overturns what we knew and applied about the military confrontations of the last century. And it becomes an obligation for both the State and those responsible for defense and security (General Staffs of the Armed Forces) to study the "lessons learned" and to rapidly integrate the new data, so that we do not suffer losses in human lives, in national sovereignty, and perhaps even the existence of the state entity.

Studying the data so far and while both the war in Ukraine and the war in Gaza continue, the famous "lessons learned" are enriched with new data and evolve, with new tactics, doctrines and weapons systems, some of which are the famous "game changers", elements that not only dominated the fields of operations, but were decisive factors that changed the form and development of the struggle.

We briefly saw new tactics from both sides, such as land and air attacks of disappearance (Swarming), multi-layered attacks, Awesome and effective use of UAN, Drones, Psychological operations and disinformation, covert operations, etc. New doctrines, such as flexibility and adaptability, strengthening of cruiser and urban operations, guerrilla methods of "Guerilla Warfare" and the use of asymmetric tactics. Also indicatively, we should mention the weapon systems that were the "Game changers" of the struggle on both sides. From the Ukrainian side (with the full and uninterrupted support and supply of weapons systems from the West (EU, NATO, other countries) the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), anti-aircraft air defense systems (Patriot, NASAMS, IRIS-T, etc.), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as Drones (FPV), loitering munitions, ballistic missiles, such as Storm Shadow, SCALP-EG, ATGMs (Anti Tank Guided Missiles), such as Javellin, etc. From the Russian side, the supersonic missiles Kinzhal, Zircon, Kalibr, the Drones Lancet, Shahed 136/131, loitering munitions, the S-400 air defense system, the glide bombs, A/K artillery and MLRS with significant superiority and the Russian T-90 M (Proryv).

In summary, we would say that we saw modern operations with modern weapons systems and artificial intelligence, but with World War I tactics and form (fortifications, point defense, many lines of defense, trenches, minefields, A/T on the ground (dragon's teeth), operations in the urban fabric, etc. Artillery becomes the main factor in operations with excessive ammunition consumption and lack of large maneuvers of M/C and TT formations on the field. Another feature was the use of mercenary organizations (for a fee) and the help and assistance of allied states on both sides, such as the Western states and NATO for Ukraine and China and North Korea for Russia.

The defense industry and its support

In conclusion and based on all of the above, it is estimated that Greece, reading and analyzing all the data we obtain from both wars, should change doctrines, tactics, perceptions and reshape its defense industry as quickly as possible. The enormous consumption of ammunition and weapons systems requires the creation of a strong, pioneering, effective and adapted to the requirements of modern warfare, taking into account the geographical mosaic of the Greek territory, so that it can respond in case it is required. When countries with their own heavy defense industry, such as Russia and Israel, are forced to request assistance from other states in weapons systems, ammunition and critical systems, we understand the importance of having a domestic and healthy domestic defense industry. Here, the Greek state should seriously intervene and assist our domestic defense industry in every conceivable way, so that our Armed Forces can respond satisfactorily to the threats of a revisionist, aggressive Turkey, if ever required. Thus, the need to institutionalize at a legislative level, the 25% announced by the government, so that the Greek defense industry can take part in the armament program, constitutes an important step for strengthening domestic production and the country's defense autonomy. And of course, for reasons of improving transparency, reinstating the competitive process in the procurement of weapons systems. The conclusion of contracts will not be possible if foreign defense companies have not agreed with Greek industries so that 25% of their products are manufactured in Greece.

This measure aims to promote know-how, create jobs and further develop the domestic defense industry, while contributing to reducing dependence on foreign supplier countries. The adoption of such arrangements is a strategic choice that enhances national security and economic development, and should ensure compliance with specifications and the effectiveness of contracts, while maintaining open channels of cooperation with international partners. Furthermore, Greece, in cooperation with international organizations and allies such as NATO, seeks to enhance transparency, reliability and efficiency in defense procurement, ensuring that the weapons systems acquired are technologically modern, reliably affordable and compatible with the systems of our allies.

In conclusion, let us mention:

The wars in Ukraine and Gaza have changed everything, in terms of tactics, operations, weapons and ammunition.

The Armed Forces must assimilate the findings and new data and move quickly to training, organizing, and planning our plans.

The institutionalization of 25% mandatory co-production of selected foreign weapons systems by the domestic defense industry is a very appropriate measure, multi-beneficial and should be applied without deviation.

Finally, it is found that not only expensive weapons systems are necessary, but also new, small, smart and cheap systems (e.g. drones), which with proper, original design and use can prove to be game changers in the fight.

*Ioannis Baltzoi is a Lieutenant General (retd.), M.Sc. of the National University of Athens, president of ELISME.