Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias has briefed members of the Hellenic Parliament’s Standing Committee on National Defence and Foreign Affairs behind closed doors on the third phase of implementing the new structure of the Armed Forces for 2024–2035.

According to information obtained by ProtoThema.gr, MPs were told that the latest phase of mergers will affect 56 units and 125 military camp facilities, with the aim of further rationalising the organisation of the Armed Forces.

A key objective of the Armed Forces’ political and military leadership is to increase staffing levels across units by merging or abolishing understaffed or inactive facilities. The changes are intended to ensure that the new formations are deployed as effectively as possible in line with modern operational requirements.

It is recalled that, in recent remarks to Parliament, Mr Dendias said: “We are moving towards flexible units with high staffing levels. At present, there are units in Evros with staffing levels below 30%, while a unit in the Peloponnese is staffed at 130%. It makes no sense to have 800 military camps — more than the United States.”

At another point, he added: “We must enter the age of drones; every unit will have the capability to use a drone instead.”