Greece has announced plans to spend 25 billion euros ($27 billion) over the next decade to retrofit its military with new high-tech defense systems. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said the investment would represent a fundamental shift in the country’s defense strategy and would focus primarily on a new air defense system called the “Achilles Shield” that aims to reduce tensions with neighboring Turkey.
Greece's New Defense Strategy
Dendias said Greece plans to shift from traditional defense systems to a modern, network-based strategy. This strategy will include the integration of mobile, AI-enabled missile systems, drone technologies and advanced command units. These steps aim to move Greece away from its traditional fleet-focused defense approach and establish a more flexible and technology-focused structure.
As part of the new strategy, new generation military equipment equipped with sensors and communication systems will be developed. It is also planned to develop special satellite capabilities to ensure secure communications during conflicts.
Defense Modernization and Local Collaborations
Greece’s defense modernization plan is shaped by Europe’s tendency to increase military spending due to the war in Ukraine and the desire of the United States to reduce its reliance on European defense. In this context, Greece will strengthen its existing cooperation with France, Israel and the United States, and aim to include local technology startups in the projects.
The Greek government is taking an important step towards strengthening the country’s national security by increasing defense spending. All branches of the Greek military will undergo this modernization process. In addition, major structural changes are on the agenda, such as closing some bases and merging units to increase the efficiency of existing military bases.
F-35 Debate
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis rejected calls from some opposition parties to abandon plans to buy US-made F-35 fighter jets and instead turn to European-made alternatives during talks in Israel. Mitsotakis described the F-35 program as a significant “long-term investment” for the country and stressed that the decision was a strategic step towards increasing its defense capacity.
Strategic Priorities and Future Plans
These strategic steps by Greece are considered an important move to strengthen the country's defense capabilities in the face of ongoing border problems and security threats in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. The country's military modernization aims to create a strong military force not only with traditional defense technologies but also with new generation war technologies.
