The 12-year defense procurement program, with a projected cost between €25 and €28 billion, will be presented today by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, marking a key moment in a special parliamentary session, as Europe as a whole seeks to redefine its strategic posture.

Following Mitsotakis’ address, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias is expected to deliver a detailed behind-closed-doors briefing to the members of the Parliament’s Defense and Armaments Committee.

As reported by Proto Thema since Sunday, the Prime Minister is expected to outline the strategic framework of Greece’s defense doctrine for the years to come, emphasizing that the key objective is for the Armed Forces and national defense to transition into a new era.

Three-Pillar Approach

The Prime Minister’s strategic reasoning is structured around three core pillars:

1. Modern Arsenal: In addition to major procurements such as aircraft and frigates, Mitsotakis will stress the need to incorporate modern warfare tools, including drones, anti-drone systems, advanced radar technologies, and missile defense systems.
2. Technology Integration: Greece must fully leverage cutting-edge technologies not only strategically—by incorporating cyber defense into the Armed Forces—but also practically, through military institutions collaborating with research centers and Greek companies to develop domestic weapons systems. Notably, the Hellenic Defense Innovation Center (ELKAK), established roughly a year ago, will act as a hub connecting the military with academia and tech startups.
3. Greek Defense Industry: Perhaps the most critical element is the integration of the domestic defense industry (such as HAI, shipyards, and defense systems companies) into the new defense architecture. “No procurement will proceed without the inclusion of Greek-made components or participation of Greek manpower,” government sources state.

A Comprehensive Strategy

According to government officials, the strategic objectives of the new armament plan are designed to align with a broader rethinking of the Armed Forces’ operational structure—from reforms in conscription, new financial incentives for personnel, to the restructuring of military bases based on operational rather than geographic criteria.

Mitsotakis is also expected to underscore that in the current geopolitical landscape, defense and societal stability are top priorities. At the same time, economic growth must continue to sustain, among other things, national defense capabilities.

Importantly, the Prime Minister will also address the controversial issue of recent salary increases in the Armed Forces, defending the timing as part of a broader national security strategy. Government insiders call this an “essential national priority,” citing concerns such as the declining number of military academy applicants and a noticeable wave of resignations, especially within the Navy.