Greece launches 'Achilles Shield': 25 billion for high-tech defence

Greece announced a 10-year plan by 25 billion to radically transform its defence system, focusing on advanced military technologies and greater strategic autonomy. This was stated by Defence Minister Nikos Dendiasillustrating in Parliament the pillars of the programme dubbed 'Shield of Achilles'.

Modern defence against historical tensions

The initiative stems from the need to respond to the continuing tensions with Turkeyrelated to territorial disputes in the Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean. Although both countries are members of NATO, relations remain tense and in the past have repeatedly risked escalating into open conflict.

According to Dendias, the new Greek military doctrine marks a epochal changeIt will move from a traditional defence system to a highly technological and interconnected one, reducing dependence on conventional fleets and focusing on:

• Mobile missile systems supported by artificial intelligence

• State-of-the-art dronistic technologies

• Advanced control units

• Individual equipment with sensors and tactical communication

• Satellite capabilities for secure communications in war

"We can no longer think that the Aegean defends itself only with the fleet," said Dendias. "This is an existential question for our country."

Reorganisation and internal innovation

In addition to the technological component, the plan includes a profound restructuring of the armed forcesUnits will be merged, non-strategic bases closed and the chain of command rationalised. Ample space will be given to Greek technology start-upswhich will be involved in the development of new defence solutions.

European context and international cooperation

The move by Athens fits into the broader context of European rearmamentdriven by the war in Ukraine and uncertainty over the future of the US commitment to NATO under the Trump administration.

The Greek military renewal already involves all armed forces and is based on close relations with France, Israel and the United States. Just in Israel, the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli defence leadership on Sunday to strengthen cooperation.

In Parliament, Mitsotakis also rejected opposition demands to abandon the purchase of the American F-35sin favour of European jets, calling the US programme a "long-term strategic investment".

Source: https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/04/02/greece-vows-27b-on-defense-overhaul-centered-on-high-tech-warfare/