Greece plans to allocate 25 billion euros ($26.99 billion) as part of a 12-year defense strategy, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced in Parliament on Wednesday.
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance,” he said, adding, “There can be no progress without security.”
Mitsotakis’ address avoided classified details, which will instead be discussed in a closed-door session of Parliament’s defense procurement committee later this week.
“Our investments in defense are investments in our sovereignty and the protection of our national dignity,” he continued.
He added: “I would say that it is a comprehensive plan that concerns, in our opinion, the most profound transformation of the Armed Forces in the modern history of the country. When we talk about resources related to national defense, we obviously do not mean only spending and investments in military equipment, but primarily the fixed, stable investment of our country, which remains strong, stable, independent in a world that is changing at an unpredictable pace.”
However, Mitsotakis stressed that fiscal flexibility must not—and will not—lead to excesses.
“Not only because the markets are closely monitoring and assessing us, but also because the overall performance of the economy is a vital factor for security and stability.”
Alongside Poland, Estonia and Latvia, Greece is one of the few NATO member states that allocates more than 3 percent of its output to defense. And this year the nation of 10.5 million has doubled its military budget to 6.13 billion euros ($6.6 billion).
Mitsotakis emphasized that no future defense contracts will proceed without significant Greek industrial involvement, either through component manufacturing or workforce participation.
Greece’s defense procurements to include Greek input
He said that every procurement must include Greek parts or the involvement of Greek personnel. Existing co-production capabilities at Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB), Greek shipyards, and Hellenic Defense Systems (EAS) will play a key role in implementing this initiative.
The plan underscores a shift toward self-reliance, with domestic firms expected to contribute to naval vessels, submarines, armored vehicles and munitions.
Naval News reported on Tuesday that French shipbuilder Naval Group has presented the Greek authorities with a proposal aimed at strengthening French-Greek cooperation in naval defense and technology. The proposal includes, among other elements, the local construction of three additional Kimon-class (FDI HN) frigates, in addition to the four already set to be acquired by Greece, with the finalization of the fourth frigate expected in the coming days.
Additionally, Greece aims to expand its role in advanced defense technologies, including artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and electronic warfare systems developed through the Hellenic Defense Innovation Center (ELKAK).
A key part of the shake-up is an upgrade to its anti-missile and anti-aircraft systems. Athens is in negotiations with Israel to acquire the shield, which also includes enhancing anti-drone systems.
France, Italy and Norway have also been cited as possible suppliers of the new weapons, which include unmanned vessels, drones and radars.
This is a developing story
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