A series of developments this week point to an accelerated military buildup by the US at both ends of the Black Sea, not only by the deployment of US forces in the region but also by the build-up of capabilities of US “allies and partners.” All of these developments are justified by the need to “defend democracy and freedom” from the so-called authoritarian states.
On Oct. 18, US Ambassador to Greece Jeffrey Pyatt announced the completion of the 3rd US-Greece Strategic Dialogue talks. While the talks covered the broad range of US-Greek relations, a key component of the dialogue was the announcement of a new Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA), which extends US-Greek military cooperation for another six years. The agreement provides for US investments at the Greek port of Alexandroupoli, and at military installations at Stefanovikeio and Larissa. The investments in infrastructure will allow for an increased pace of US military operations into the eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans region, as well as extended operations into the Black Sea. In fact, according to Greek media reports, Alexandroupoli will see the largest shipment of US military equipment ever for military exercises in November, including helicopters, tanks, and other armored vehicles, as well as artillery and unmanned air vehicles.
