NATO member Greece is poised to announce a far-reaching modernization of its armed forces, aligning itself with a growing trend among several European allies. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to lay out a detailed timeline for these enhancements in a parliamentary address, prominently featuring an advanced anti-aircraft defense system called “Achilles’s Shield.”
Greece currently allocates over 3.0 percent of its GDP to defense spending, a reflection of longstanding tensions with neighboring Turkey. As part of this new initiative, the Greek government plans to invest around 26 billion euros (approximately $28 billion) in new weaponry by 2036, marking what officials describe as “the most significant reform ever undertaken in the history of the Greek state in terms of national defense.”
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis emphasized the initiative, stating, “Our country is protecting itself, arming itself, and strengthening itself.” This commitment to defense spending places Greece among a select group of NATO members, including Poland, Estonia, and Latvia, that exceed the 3.0 percent threshold.
For the current year, Greece’s military budget has doubled to 6.13 billion euros ($6.6 billion). Maria Gavouneli, an international law professor at the University of Athens, remarked that Greece has historically functioned as a pivotal outpost for Europe, especially as the continent re-evaluates its defense posture amid evolving global circumstances.
A significant element of this modern military structure is the introduction of the “Achilles’s Shield,” an upgrade to Greece’s anti-missile and anti-aircraft capabilities. Reports indicate that Athens is in talks with Israel regarding this system, which is also expected to enhance anti-drone defenses. Potential suppliers for additional military equipment include France, Italy, and Norway, with plans to acquire unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), drones, and advanced radar systems.
The Greek government is looking to consolidate its role on the EU’s Eastern Mediterranean border, which is strategically close to various conflict zones in the Middle East. In pursuit of modern military capabilities, Greece has historically been a significant purchaser of military equipment from European nations, particularly France and Germany, often justifying these expenditures based on territorial disputes with Turkey.
Experts have suggested that this military modernization is overdue, especially considering Greece’s financial struggles over the past decade, which hindered updates to its defense arsenal. Maria Gavouneli, who is also the director general of the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy think-tank, stated that the comprehensive reorganization is essential for Greece to address its current military deficiencies.
Additionally, Greece has entered a military cooperation agreement with France, securing orders for 24 Rafale fighter jets and three Belharra-class defense and intervention frigates (FDI), totaling over 5.5 billion euros ($5.9 billion). One of these frigates is set to be constructed in Greek shipyards, thereby enhancing the domestic defense industry. The nation has also arranged to procure 20 US-made F-35 fighter jets, further demonstrating its commitment to military evolution.
Last November, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced plans to acquire four distinct drone systems while streamlining military units to establish a more cohesive force. He articulated the necessity for Athens to adapt rapidly to “a different reality” to effectively navigate contemporary challenges, particularly those posed by its complex relationship with Turkey.
As NATO allies such as France, Germany, and Poland simultaneously ramp up their military capabilities, there is an overarching recognition of a shifting landscape in global security. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has voiced the pressing need for the EU to substantially increase its defense spending in response to emerging threats, particularly from Russia.
