Greece will invest 25 billion euros ($ 27 billion) over the next years to adjust its military to progressing state-of-the-art warfare innovations, authorities revealed Wednesday.
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias informed parliament the overhaul will be constructed around a prepared air defense system called “Achilles Guard,” mainly targeted at resolving stress with surrounding Turkey.
The 2 NATO members have enduring conflicts over borders in the Aegean Sea and eastern Mediterranean that have actually brought them near to war a number of times in current years.
Dendias stated Greece prepares to move from standard defense systems to a state-of-the-art, networked method fixated mobile, AI-powered rocket systems, drone innovations, and advanced command systems– decreasing dependence on traditional fleets.
The strategy likewise consists of brand-new programs such as next-generation soldier equipment equipped with sensing units and interaction systems, and the advancement of devoted satellite abilities to make sure protected interactions throughout dispute.
” What we are proposing is an existential problem for the nation– a total shift in our defense technique, an overall modification in teaching,” Dendias stated. “We’re moving far from the standard thinking that the Aegean is protected entirely by the fleet.”
The overhaul, which will exist to legislators behind closed doors in the coming weeks, likewise includes higher addition of regional tech start-ups and a significant workers reorganization– combining systems, closing underused bases, and resolving a top-heavy command structure.
The effort comes as European nations increase military costs in action to the continuous war in Ukraine and signs that the Trump administration wishes to decrease the United States’ dedication to European defense.
Greece’s modernization drive– introduced after years of defense cuts throughout the 2010– 2018 monetary crisis– currently consists of all branches of the militaries and concentrates on cooperation with France, Israel, and the United States. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis satisfied in Israel on Sunday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Israeli defense authorities. On Wednesday, Mitsotakis dismissed calls by some opposition celebrations to desert strategies to purchase U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets in favor of a European option, explaining the program as a crucial “long-lasting financial investment.”