Greece prepares for a €25 billion defense program
Greece is gearing up for a €25 billion defense program, which will include new technologies, domestic investments, and the maintenance and repair of existing defense systems.
Mitsotakis Outlines Long-Term Defense Strategy
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the parliament, outlining the country’s long-term defense investments and policies.
He emphasized that the allocated funds should not be seen solely as investments in weapons and military technology but as a broader effort to ensure Greece’s strength and stability in an unpredictable global landscape.
Highlighting ongoing crises in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Syria, as well as NATO’s evolving role, Mitsotakis warned that shifting geopolitical dynamics would pose new challenges for the European Union (EU).
"Investments in our defense capabilities are also investments in our sovereignty and national dignity," he stated.
Mitsotakis also touched upon new approaches to defense budgeting within the EU, asserting that Greece would use the flexibility provided in a responsible manner rather than excessively increasing spending.
Strategic Military Investments
Since coming to power in July 2019, Mitsotakis' New Democracy government has undertaken significant military acquisitions, including:
✅ 24 Rafale fighter jets
✅ 3 Belharra-class frigates
He acknowledged that Greece’s economic crisis in previous years had limited military investments, but stated that conditions had now changed:
"Now, things are different. The Defense Minister knows that there is a €25 billion budget available for the defense program."
Key Principles of the Defense Plan
Mitsotakis outlined the three core principles of the new defense investment program:
1️⃣ Embracing Emerging Military Technologies
The war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of drones and artificial intelligence in modern warfare.
These technologies must be integrated into Greece’s long-term military planning.
The F-35 and Belharra programs alone are not enough; Greece must invest in adaptive and upgradeable weapon systems.
2️⃣ Boosting Domestic Defense Industry
Greek defense companies will play a bigger role in future military projects.
Increasing domestic contributions will enhance Greece’s technological autonomy.
3️⃣ Prioritizing Maintenance and Upgrades
Many existing defense systems require urgent repairs and upgrades.
Neglecting maintenance would result in financial and operational losses.
"No Prosperity Without Security and Sovereignty"
Mitsotakis stressed that Greece must adapt to global security challenges, stating:
"We may be a small country in terms of scale, but we have great geopolitical importance. Our goal is not aggression but deterrence, ensuring national stability in an unstable international environment."
He further emphasized that:
📌 Security and sovereignty are prerequisites for prosperity.
📌 A strong economy is essential to sustain national security.
The Greek Prime Minister urged opposition parties to support the long-term defense strategy, while Defense Minister Nikos Dendias is set to present a detailed breakdown of the program in the parliamentary committee in the coming days.
