Greek defense modernization plan (2025–2036)

The Greek defense modernization plan (2025–2036) is a 12-year strategic plan of the Greek government aimed to upgrade its military, making it one of Europe's most advanced ones, at a cost of €25 billion. Regarded as the largest defense investment in modern Greek history, the plan has two major factors, creating high-tech capabilities while increasing the domestic defense industry.

The 2009–2018 debt crisis in Greece, had a great effect on the Greek economy, causing it to hold a tight defense budget.^[1] But as the power balance around the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey and Middle Eastern countries shifts, along with its NATO commitment, Greece launched its long-term plan for military modernization.^[1][2][3] This plan, is based on several smaller initiatives and amounts to about 3% of Greece's GSDP, ranking it as one of the highest in NATO.^[1][4]

The modernization plan of Greece has several objectives. The first one is to replace and improve old air and naval equipment with modern, up to date systems, making forces effective in all areas.^[5][6][4] Second objective is to upgrade its technological assets such as: drones, cyber defense, electronic warfare, and space systems, so it can better face modern threats.^[5][6][4] Third objective is to support the defense industry of Greece by basing the work on domestic industries with help of international partners.^[5][6][4] Fourth objective is to improve readiness of the Greek Armed Forces, facing regional crises and increasing cooperation with NATO and EU missions.^[5][6][4]

The modernization plan for its air force puts a real focus on strengthening aerial capabilities. This will be achieved by buying 20 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the United States, planned to arrive from 2028.^[7][8] The air force will also upgrade its F-16 Block 50s to the advanced “Viper” configuration, which will enhance its operational capabilities.^[7] Another aspect will be the arrival of 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, providing options for multipurpose missions, that will complete the Rafale integration.^[8] The air force will increase its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fleet for reconnaissance and combat operations.^[8]

Greece's naval modernization plan aims to strengthen its navy by buying new ships while upgrading its old ones.^[9] The Greek navy will purchase new submarines, corvettes, patrol vessels and Kimon-class (FDI-HN) frigates from France.^[2][10][11] Its older MEKO-200 frigates will be upgraded for longer service time as the navy will search for new submarines to replaces the older ones.^[2] France will also supply Greece with 16 Exocet anti-ship missiles by 2025 helping it to improve its coastal defenses and systems, so it can block enemy access to key areas.^[12][9][6] In May 2025 it was reported that Israeli Aerospace will sell autonomous BlueWhale submarines to the Greek navy.^[13]

The modernization plan for its ground forces includes replacing and upgrading of old armored vehicles, adding new artillery systems and buying 36–40 EURO-PULS multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). The Greek army will be getting Leopard 2 and Leopard 1 tanks and at the same time improve its air defense systems by upgrading to Patriot systems. in an overall look, it is enforcing its artillery, vehicles, and logistics networks for better mobility, equipment so it can face the modern challenges on the battlefield.

Another aspect of the modernization plan is strengthening space, cyber and unmanned systems.^[14][15] Greece has already deployed a communications satellite and more are to come.^[16][17][18] It is constantly developing more advanced cyber defense and electronic warfare systems to hold off digital threats. Greece is adding and expanding its Achilles Shield, Centauros, Iperion and Telemachus systems with systems like the Kerveros VTOL drone, to defend against unmanned threats.^[19][20] These efforts are meant to provide the Hellenic Armed Forces with modern capabilities to face the shifting security challenges.^[1]

Greece made a strategic stand as it made sure that at least 25% of the investment for new equipment will go to the Greek industry, helping the domestic production, industry and export capabilities.^[20][21] An example for a combat proven system produced by the Hellenic Aerospace Industry, is the Centauros anti-drone system which proved itself at the 2024–25 Red sea operations.^[22][23]

The Greek defense modernization plan (2025–2036) require immense international help and cooperation. Greece depends on the US for help with F-35 fighter jets, joint training, and command systems.^[7][8] France for delivery of frigates, Exocet missiles and Navy development, Israel might supply advanced air defense systems like the Barak MX and technology from the Iron Dome, while it is in negotiations with Italy for buying Bergamini class frigates.^[2]

Within NATO and Europe, Greece is seeking to match the alliance's goals, as well as taking part in the European Union's PESCO framework and using the European Defence Fund (EDF) for mutual projects.^[2][21]

On 1, December 2025, Greece Defense Minister, Nikos Dendias addressed parliament referring to Turkey's aggression in the Aegean Sea. He mentioned its "Neo-Ottomanism" policies, "Blue Homeland" claims, and "casus belli" stance in the Aegean. He called for unity in Greece to face this threat and continue with its defense modernization plan, including deployment of "Achilles' Shield" missile systems on islands and drone capabilities, to deter Turkey while opposing its EU defense participation without respecting international law.^[24][25]

• Hellenic Armed Forces
• Hellenic Navy
• Hellenic Air Force
• Achilles Shield
• NATO
• Iperion anti drone system
• Telemachus Jammer