F-35s, Black Hawks, and Achilles’ Shield lead the charge in Greece’s new defense doctrine.
Greece is making a bold leap in defense modernization with the unveiling of 9 flagship programs – out of a total of 68 – under its new Long-Term Defense Armaments Plan 2025–2036, announced today (April, 6, 2025) by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias. The announcement comes just hours after Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the strategic shift in a public statement.
At the heart of the announcement is the “Achilles’ Shield”, a multi-layered defense system encompassing anti-submarine, anti-ship, anti-drone, anti-missile, and anti-aircraft capabilities. According to Dendias, this innovation marks a strategic turning point, empowering Greece’s advanced frigates and 5th generation aircraft to operate beyond territorial defense, embracing a broader deterrent role with strategic weapons.
Other major highlights of the defense overhaul include:
- Procurement of 20 F-35 fighter jets, with a potential expansion to 40.
- Acquisition and upgrades of frigates and coastal patrol vessels, and modernization of submarines and missile boats.
- Purchase of 35 UH-60M Black Hawk transport helicopters.
- Conversion of existing F-16 Block 50 jets to the advanced F-16 Viper standard.
- Deployment of electronic and cyber warfare systems, satellite systems, command & communication systems, and unmanned platforms (UxVs)
- Procurement of weapons, ammunition and long-range strike weapons across for Army, Navy and Air Force.
- Launch of a “Modern Warrior” program to equip and train the new generation of Greek soldiers.
- Comprehensive maintenance and Follow-on support (FOS) plans for all critical weapons systems.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had earlier stated that 47 programs worth €3.9 billion could be carried out with the involvement of the Greek defense industry, while 14 programs worth €1.14 billion could be fully implemented by Greek companies.