Greece’s new military space command is designed to give the armed forces greater control over satellite intelligence and communications as Greece builds a national network and reduces reliance on foreign providers. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias inaugurated the Space Operations Command at Dekelia Air Force Base on Monday, saying, “We absolutely need satellite information to be owned by Greece.”
The command is part of “Agenda 2030” defense reforms. It will bring satellite data into a command system linking communications, cyber operations, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting. The data will reach ships, aircraft and ground units. Dendias said modern conflicts combine space, cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum with land, sea and air operations.
“The lessons learned already show that space is the crucial domain for the conduct of military operations,” he said, pointing to recent disruption of Ukrainian communications after access to space capabilities was lost. He said Greece must close that gap.
Greece’s military space command aims to end foreign reliance
Greece has acquired 16 dual-use optical satellites in low Earth orbit in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Governance, Dendias said, but he called the capability insufficient. Plans include six optical observation satellites, three to collect electronic signals and three radar satellites.
Dendias said the different systems would provide a fuller picture when fog limits optical observation. He asked: “which Minister can wait for 24 hours in order to purchase a photograph of our broader region from a foreign provider?”
Existing infrastructure includes a ground station for the European HELIOS-II military program at the 114th Combat Wing in Tanagra and a satellite communications station in Atalanti.
Attica has been chosen to host one of two hubs for the European GOVSATCOM program, which supports secure government communications, critical infrastructure protection and crisis management. Greece is also part of the European Union’s IRIS2 secure satellite connectivity program, linked to plans for three medium Earth orbit communications satellites.
Satellite plans include European links and a national military system
Dendias said Greece also needs an independent military communications system. The long-term defense procurement plan calls for rapid acquisition of a military-grade geostationary communications satellite. The national MILSATCOM program aims to put the satellite, ground facilities and communications network under Greek ownership and operational control.
A facility at the Hellenic Aerospace Industry is already assembling, integrating and testing space equipment, Dendias said. He said it would allow work in Greece, strengthen local expertise and increase industry participation in space programs.
“Without it, our country will face immense problems in times of crisis,” Dendias said of the need for independent military satellite communications. He said the broader effort was intended to protect Greece’s security and independence.
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