Greece Launches the “Achilles' Shield”: 25 Billion for High-Tech Defense

Greece has announced a ten-year plan of 25 billion euros to radically transform its defense system, focusing on advanced military technologies and greater strategic autonomy. This was stated by the Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias, outlining in Parliament the pillars of the program dubbed "Achilles' Shield".

Modern Defense Against Historical Tensions

The initiative arises from the need to respond to the ongoing tensions with Turkey, related to territorial disputes in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. Although both countries are NATO members, relations remain tense and in the past have often risked escalating into open conflict.

According to Dendias, the new Greek military doctrine marks a epochal change: transitioning from a traditional defensive system to a highly technological and interconnected one, reducing dependence on conventional fleets and focusing on:

• Mobile missile systems supported by artificial intelligence

• Latest generation drone technologies

• Advanced command units

• Individual equipment with sensors and tactical communication

• Satellite capabilities for secure communications in war

“We can no longer think that the Aegean is defended only with the fleet,” stated Dendias. “This is an existential issue for our country.”

Reorganization and Internal Innovation

In addition to the technological component, the plan includes a profound restructuring of the armed forces: units will be merged, non-strategic bases closed, and the command chain streamlined. Ample space will be given to Greek tech start-ups, which will be involved in developing new defense solutions.

European Context and International Cooperation

Athens' move fits into the broader context of European rearmament, driven by the war in Ukraine and uncertainty about the future of U.S. 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. In Israel, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli defense leaders on Sunday to strengthen cooperation.

In Parliament, Mitsotakis also rejected opposition calls to abandon the purchase of American F-35s in favor of European jets, calling the U.S. program a “long-term strategic investment.”