A new €5 billion defense procurement program was discussed in the relevant parliamentary committee of the Hellenic Parliament and is expected to receive final approval in the coming days from Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense.
The program, examined by the Special Standing Committee on Armaments Programs and Contracts, includes major upgrades to Greece’s air defense capabilities and modernization of key weapons systems.
One of the most important elements for the country, according to decisions by the political leadership of the Ministry of National Defence, is that Greek companies will participate with a minimum share of 25% in every defense program going forward.
This requirement is expected to generate €1.25 billion in economic benefit for Greece’s domestic defense industry.
A Key Pillar of Greece’s “Agenda 2030”
Speaking from London during an official visit, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias explained that the projects are part of Greece’s long-term defense procurement planning, a central component of the government’s broader strategic framework known as “Agenda 2030.”
“Today a series of extremely important armament programs is being submitted for review by the parliamentary committee,” Dendias said.
“At the heart of these initiatives is the major upgrade of our country’s air defense, through the creation of a multi-layered system designed to counter threats from the air.”
The “Achilles Shield” Air Defense System
The program forms a key component of the “Achilles Shield”, Greece’s new deterrence framework aimed at strengthening national defense.
The system will create what officials describe as a protective shield over Greek territory, capable of responding to modern threats ranging from aircraft and drones to missiles and ballistic missiles.
“The need for such a system has been fully demonstrated on the battlefield,” Dendias noted.
A crucial aspect of the project is that Greek defense companies will participate in the production of these systems, ensuring domestic industrial involvement and technological know-how.
Preparing for the Arrival of F-35 Fighters
The program also includes the development of infrastructure at Andravida Air Base to support the operational deployment of F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft.
According to the defense minister, the F-35 represents more than simply a new aircraft platform.
“F-35s are not just airplanes—they are platforms that introduce our Air Force to an entirely new era,” he said.
In addition, the plan includes the upgrade of approximately 40 F-16 Block 50 aircraft to the advanced F-16V Viper standard, which would give Greece a fleet of more than 100 F-16 Vipers.
Naval Modernization and Aircraft Support
The procurement package also covers the modernization of Greece’s MEKO-class frigates, a project in which Greek shipyards are expected to play a central role.
Additional initiatives include a series of “Follow On Support” programs, which ensure the maintenance and operational readiness of aircraft fleets.
Among them is support for C-27J Spartan transport aircraft currently used by the Greek Air Force.
Greater Transparency in Defense Contracts
Dendias also emphasized that maintenance agreements and support contracts will now be treated as full defense procurement programs, subject to the same transparency guarantees and parliamentary oversight.
“In the past, this was not always the case,” the minister noted.
“Follow On Support programs were often treated as operational expenses, under a system that allowed complete lack of transparency.”
The new approach, he added, ensures greater accountability and full parliamentary awareness of defense spending.