Greece Unveils Ambitious Defense Overhaul Focused on High-Tech Deterrence

Greece’s Defense Minister Nikos Dendias on Wednesday presented Parliament with an ambitious 12-year military modernization plan, pledging to overhaul the country’s defense capabilities with cutting-edge technologies while adhering to strict fiscal limits.

Addressing the special parliamentary committee on armaments, Mr. Dendias outlined the long-term National Defense Equipment Program for 2025–2036, anchored in a new doctrine of deterrence dubbed “Achilles’ Shield.”

The program envisions comprehensive defense coverage through artificial intelligence-enabled systems, enhanced firepower, and strategic range missile capabilities.

“This is not a request for expenditures. It is a request for a strategic plan,” Mr. Dendias told lawmakers. “No one has come to ask you to approve billions.”

The multi-tiered doctrine introduces a five-layer defensive structure against aerial, ballistic, drone, naval, and underwater threats.

It supports the full operational potential of Greece’s next-generation arsenal, including F-35s, RAFALEs, and VIPER fighter jets, as well as new frigates with cruise missile capabilities.

Pentagon sources said the plan groups armament projects into four major categories: acquiring new capabilities and platforms, command and control systems with satellite integration, long-term system support covering a quarter of the overall budget, and infrastructure aligned with new procurement.

A key component of the doctrine is long-range artillery with precision strike capacity.

These systems, equipped with multiple warhead options and anti-ship capabilities, will enhance Greece’s ability to defend and support its island territories and project force beyond the Aegean.

Mr. Dendias also announced collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Governance for the acquisition of a geostationary military satellite, along with new cyberwarfare and electronic warfare tools to equip specialized units like the Cyberwarfare Unit “1864.”

All defense platforms, sensors, and systems will be integrated under a unified AI-driven command and control framework, with encrypted communications at its core.

A soldier’s combat effectiveness will be enhanced through layered upgrades in survivability, awareness, communication, agility, and firepower.

The program also includes modernization of naval assets, with upgrades to frigates, submarines, and patrol vessels, and the procurement of two new FREMM-class frigates and next-generation submarines. Anti-submarine capabilities will be strengthened through advanced sonar systems and MH-60 Romeo helicopters.

Through the newly formed Greek Center for Defense Innovation (ELKAK), Greece aims to develop homegrown defense technologies, including anti-drone systems like the “Centaur,” already deployed on Navy frigates.

Other projects underway include unmanned surface vessels, mobile surveillance systems, and aerial acoustic sensor platforms.

To ensure transparency, Mr. Dendias said new oversight rules would be imposed on the General Directorate of Defense Equipment and Investments, including longer staff assignments, legal counsel from the State Legal Council, and financial scrutiny measures like asset declarations and banking access for investigations.

However, the rollout drew strong criticism from the opposition, which demanded more detailed disclosures.

Pasok MP Michalis Katrinis called for a full breakdown of the programs, arguing that the committee’s role is “crucial and not ceremonial.”

Syriza MP Symeon Kedikoglou expressed “shock,” accusing the ministry of distributing a briefing file “filled with classified items already leaked online and arguments resembling a high school essay.”

Mr. Dendias responded sharply, accusing the opposition of failing to act on long-term defense planning when they were in power.

“You governed and did not comply with this legal requirement,” he said. “Now you raise your finger at us for doing what you did not?”

The minister’s closed-door briefing proceeded after the committee rejected requests to postpone.
Mr. Dendias emphasized that while details remain sensitive due to ongoing negotiations, Parliament was being consulted at a stage never attempted before.

Διαβάστε περισσότερα στο iefimerida.gr