Greece’s Government Council for National Security (KYSEA), chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, approved on Monday five major defense procurement programs.
The meeting, which addressed critical defense upgrades and escalating developments in the Middle East, was attended by Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and Defense Minister Nikos Dendias. Following the session, Minister Dendias announced that the approved programs represent a decisive step in modernizing the Hellenic Armed Forces.
Achilles’ Shield and the anti-drone “Dome”
Central to the new strategy is the advancement of a multi-layered defense system designed to intercept drones, aircraft, and ballistic threats. This “anti-aircraft dome” is a cornerstone of the broader “Achilles’ Shield” initiative, which integrates sophisticated command and control capabilities.
“We are entering a new era,” Dendias stated, emphasizing the strategic leap in Greece’s air defense capabilities.
Greece’s defense procurement: Navy and air force
The Council gave the final “green light” to the long-awaited modernization of the Navy’s MEKO-class frigates. Dendias noted that this upgrade is essential to ensuring four frontline vessels remain capable of meeting modern operational demands in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In the aviation sector, KYSEA approved critical infrastructure projects to support Greece’s transition to the F-35 Lightning II. The first of these 5th-generation stealth fighters is scheduled for delivery in the United States in 2028.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the program to upgrade F-16 Block 50 aircraft to the advanced “Viper” standard. Upon completion, Greece will operate a fleet of over 100 F-16 Vipers, which—combined with the Rafale and F-35 fleets—will establish the Hellenic Air Force as one of the most formidable in Europe.
Restoring transport capabilities
A follow-on maintenance and support program for the C-27J Spartan transport aircraft was also ratified.
Dendias pointed out a significant recovery in fleet readiness, noting that while the government inherited a severely limited transport capacity, the operational fleet has now been restored to 12 aircraft. He added that future discussions may involve the acquisition of two or three new-generation transport planes, pending parliamentary briefings.
Government sources emphasized that these contracts require at least 25% participation by the domestic Greek defense industry. Crucially, foreign contractors will be required to provide access to source code, ensuring essential technology transfer and long-term sovereign maintenance capabilities.
Related: Defense Minister Dendias Outlines Vision and Challenges for Greece