ATHENS, Greece — Greece will spend 25 billion euros ($27 billion) over the following decade to adapt its army to evolving high-tech warfare applied sciences, officers introduced Wednesday.
Protection Minister Nikos Dendias informed parliament the overhaul can be constructed round a deliberate air protection system known as “Achilles Protect,” primarily aimed toward addressing tensions with neighboring Turkey.
The 2 NATO members have long-standing disputes over boundaries within the Aegean Sea and jap Mediterranean which have introduced them near conflict a number of instances in latest a long time.
Dendias mentioned Greece plans to shift from conventional protection techniques to a high-tech, networked technique centered on cellular, AI-powered missile techniques, drone applied sciences, and superior command models – lowering reliance on standard fleets.
The plan additionally contains new applications akin to next-generation soldier gear geared up with sensors and communication techniques, and the event of devoted satellite tv for pc capabilities to make sure safe communications throughout battle.
“What we’re proposing is an existential challenge for the nation – a whole shift in our protection method, a complete change in doctrine,” Dendias mentioned. “We’re shifting away from the normal considering that the Aegean is defended solely by the fleet.”
PHOTOS: Greece vows to spend $27B on armed forces overhaul centered on high-tech warfare technology
The overhaul, which can be introduced to lawmakers behind closed doorways within the coming weeks, additionally entails larger inclusion of native tech start-ups and a significant personnel reorganization – merging models, closing underused bases, and addressing a top-heavy command construction.
The initiative comes as European nations ramp up army spending in response to the continuing conflict in Ukraine and indications that the Trump administration desires to scale back america’ dedication to European protection.
Greece’s modernization drive – launched after years of protection cuts through the 2010–2018 monetary disaster – already contains all branches of the armed forces and focuses on cooperation with France, Israel, and america. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met in Israel on Sunday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Israeli protection officers. On Wednesday, Mitsotakis dismissed calls by some opposition events to desert plans to purchase U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets in favor of a European different, describing this system as an essential “long-term funding.”
