Greece is ushering in a new era in its defense posture with a bold strategic doctrine focused on deterrence and modernization. This transformation was laid out before the Hellenic Parliament’s Special Standing Committee on Armament Programs and Contracts by Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias and Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis.

According to military sources, the central goal of the 2025–2036 Long-Term Defense Armament Planning (LTDP) is to strengthen the Armed Forces’ combat capabilities within existing fiscal limits, while ensuring at least 25% domestic industry participation, particularly from the defense and shipbuilding sectors. Innovation and cutting-edge technologies are integral to this plan.

The Four Categories of Armament Programs:

1. Acquisition of New Capabilities & Systems
2. Command, Control, Communications & Satellite Systems
3. Follow-On Support (FOS) for both existing and new weapons systems—25% of the total budget
4. Maintenance, Upgrades, and New Infrastructure linked to defense modernization

A New Deterrence Doctrine

At the heart of the revamped defense strategy is the “Achilles’ Shield”, a five-tiered multi-domain protective dome. It aims to safeguard all Greek territory through a unified system encompassing air defense, anti-ballistic, anti-drone, anti-ship, and anti-submarine layers. With this shield in place, next-gen warplanes and frigates will operate with enhanced freedom and full strategic potential—shifting from territorial defense to full-spectrum deterrence.

Flagship Projects & Strategic Capabilities

The “Achilles’ Shield” incorporates AI-powered systems to counter aerial, maritime, and underwater threats. Long-range artillery equipped with smart munitions will provide precision strikes deep into enemy territory, including the capacity to support remote islands and outposts.

A geostationary military-grade satellite is in the works through collaboration between the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Digital Governance. Cyber and electronic warfare capabilities will also be expanded, with the “1864 Cyber Warfare Unit” and new EW units taking the lead.

A unified Command & Control system will link all weapon platforms, integrating AI for rapid data analysis and decision-making based on threat priority. Advanced encrypted communications—terrestrial and satellite—are essential to this architecture.

The next-generation combat gear for soldiers will focus on survivability, situational awareness, mobility, firepower, and communications, enabling effectiveness on a modern and unpredictable battlefield.

Air & Naval Superiority

The air fleet will consist of 4.5 and 5th-gen fighter jets such as the F-35, Rafale, and upgraded F-16 Vipers. These aircraft will combine stealth, extended range, advanced radar (AESA), and long-range strategic munitions.

The new FREMM frigates—along with upgrades to existing ships—will project power across the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. Equipped with network-centric warfare capabilities, long-range cruise missiles (Naval SCALP), anti-ship missiles, and sophisticated anti-submarine systems (supported by MH-60 Romeo helicopters), they will serve as the navy’s spearhead in both surface and undersea domains.

Ongoing modernization programs include:

• Upgrades to existing frigates, submarines, and fast attack craft
• Procurement of two FREMM frigates
• Acquisition of new submarines and coastal patrol vessels

Defense Innovation & R&D

Through the Hellenic Defense Innovation Center (ELKAK) and the newly established GEETHA 6th Directorate for Transformation, Innovation & Technology, the Armed Forces are entering the international arena of defense innovation. Complementing the LTDP, dedicated R&D programs will address operational needs and bolster Greece’s domestic defense tech ecosystem.

One notable achievement: the deployment of the “Centaur” anti-drone system—a collaborative effort between ELKAK and HAI—successfully tested during Operation “ASPIDES” aboard Hellenic Navy frigates.

Current ELKAK contracts include:

• Battle Management System
• Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs)
• Mobile Surveillance Systems
• Surge Protection Systems
• Cargo-Carrying UAVs
• Aerial Surveillance Using Acoustic Sensors

Measures to Ensure Transparency

To reinforce transparency in defense procurement, a comprehensive framework is being built around the General Directorate for Defense Investments & Armaments (GDAEE):

• Appointments of GDAEE leadership will require proposals from GEETHA and selection among active-duty officers
• Establishment of a Legal Counsel Office via the State Legal Council
• Staff reforms including longer tenures, expert recruitment, and training seminars

For the Internal Audit Unit (YEU):

• Presidential decree amendments will enhance its authority
• Cooperation agreement with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) for audits and training
• Appointment of a Military Prosecutor
• Legal provisions for lifting banking secrecy when necessary
• Access to asset declarations of defense personnel

The Parliamentary Committee on armament programs will now be more involved:

• Biannual progress reports on all active programs
• Emergency briefings as requested
• A new legal threshold: Committee approval required for projects above €10 million (revised down from €30 million)

This ambitious reorientation of Greece’s defense doctrine marks a decisive step toward modern, network-enabled, high-tech deterrence—grounded in transparency, innovation, and strategic depth.