Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has announced significant changes to the structure of the Greek Armed Forces, with a focus on modernization and efficiency.
Closure of Military Camps
The Greek Ministry of Defense is moving forward with the closure of 137 military camps. This process is expected to be completed by 2025.
Dendias emphasized the need for this reduction, stating that “the concept of every town having a stadium and every village having a gym cannot apply to military camps”. The minister explained that ideally, they would close an additional 250 camps, but financial constraints prevent this more extensive consolidation. He noted, “We don’t have the money to invest in enlarging other camps to close another 250”.
Modernization Efforts
- Anti-Drone Capabilities: Every unit of the Greek Army will be equipped with anti-drone systems. Additionally, three out of four types of battalions being created will have the capability to deploy drones.
- Naval Enhancements: The Greek Navy is set for a significant upgrade. Dendias stated that the Navy will acquire strategic strike capabilities unprecedented in Greek history.
- Air Force Improvements: A program to homogenize aircraft types is underway, aiming to reach a ceiling of 200 aircraft of 4.5 and 5th generation. This includes upgraded Vipers, Rafales, and potentially F-35s in the future.
The restructuring is expected to result in savings of 2 billion euros over a decade from operational costs. Measures are being taken to improve military schools, including quadrupling compensation and enhancing study programs and facilities. The ministry plans to establish cybersecurity capabilities, both offensive and defensive.
Dendias emphasized that these changes are part of a comprehensive reform of the Greek Armed Forces, aimed at creating a more efficient and technologically advanced military structure.