In a major development signaling Greece’s strategic shift towards enhanced national and regional security, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a comprehensive €25 billion, 12-year defence procurement plan aimed at modernizing and strengthening the Greek Armed Forces.
At the heart of this long-term initiative is the creation of a five-tiered, multi-layered air defence architecture named the “Achilles Shield.” This ambitious system will integrate current platforms like the Patriot missile system with upcoming advanced technologies to provide anti-aircraft, anti-ballistic, anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-drone protection.
Speaking to the plenary session of the parliament, Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to the European Union’s goal of strategic autonomy, noting that the country allocates over 3% of its GDP to defence—one of the highest rates within the EU. He further emphasized that new procurement programs will require up to 25% participation from the domestic defence industry, bolstering local capabilities and creating economic value.
The plan also includes the acquisition of 20 F-35 fighter jets with an option for 20 more, a robust naval modernization effort involving both second-hand and newly built frigates, the upgrade and acquisition of submarines, and the procurement of missile artillery systems, drones, and surveillance platforms.
To support these initiatives, Greece will utilize the fiscal flexibility granted by the EU’s “escape clause” and tap into the SAFE Fund, a €150 billion mechanism designed to stimulate defence investment across EU member states.
Negotiations for the detailed design and implementation of this roadmap will begin immediately, with DEFEA – Defence Exhibition Athens – expected to serve as a crucial platform for collaboration. Scheduled for May 6–8, 2025, the exhibition will convene high-ranking EU and NATO officials, international delegations, and top defence technology providers at the Metropolitan Expo in Athens.
Attendees at DEFEA 2025 will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge defence solutions, attend high-level briefings, and participate in B2B and B2G matchmaking sessions. The event is anticipated to catalyze significant defence deals and unveil new systems relevant to the future of European security.
For registration and more information, visit: https://defea.gr/pre-registration/
