Last week, Greece’s Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, announced that Greece is set to build the strongest Armed Forces in its history by 2030, guaranteeing unmatched security for its citizens and society. He made the announcement on the 7th November, during a speech at the Piraeus Marine Club.
In his speech, Dendias stressed that the challenges Greece faces today are vastly different from those of the past century. “These threats require decisiveness, courage, clear vision, and the willingness to bear political costs,” he remarked, underscoring the vital role of the Hellenic Navy in ensuring deterrence measures across the Aegean region.
One of the key strategic shifts in Greece’s defence approach is set to be the creation of a comprehensive anti-missile defence system, which will use a multi-layered structure to protect the nation. As part of this system, mobile units are set to be deployed across the nation’s mainland, as well as its 2,400 islands.
Dendias also mentioned recent advancements in Greece’s defence against UAS, with the introduction of the ‘Kentavros’ (Centaur) anti-drone system. In addition to being successfully tested in the Eastern Aegean and during operational trials aboard Greek frigates in the Red Sea, system also showcased its effectiveness as it neutralised two drones, an event captured in a Dutch video. The minister confirmed that the ‘Kentavros’ system would be deployed across all four MEKO frigates in the Greek fleet.
These developments further establish Dendias’ plans for strategic reforms to build the strongest Armed Forces in the country’s history by 2030, announced earlier this year. Speaking at the 28th Annual Economist Government Roundtable in Lagonisi this Tuesday, July 2, Dendias emphasised the investments and reforms underway as part of Agenda 2030.
According to Dendias, “we don’t just spend; we are reforming”. He continued, “we call it Agenda 2030. It will bring the Armed Forces into the 21st century and beyond, both at the doctrinal level and by introducing innovation.”
With Greece allocating over 2% of its GDP to Defence, Dendias stressed how key this expenditure is to ensure the nation’s survival and regional stability. He also underlined that the reforms being undertaken as part of Agenda 2030 will strengthen Greece’s defence, ultimately leading the country to have its most powerful Armed Forces yet.
Some of the topics covered in Dendias’ address in July include:
- Addressing contemporary security threats across Europe
- The need for a renewed Euro-Atlantic defense and security framework
- Navigating the challenges of a potential global arms race
- The EU’s naval mission in the Red Sea
- The defence industry’s role in times of instability
- Energy security as a cornerstone of Europe’s resilience and solidarity
In discussing the current turbulent and challenging global situation, Greece’s Minister of National Defence also pointed out how important it is for each member state to fulfil its obligations, calling for a coordinated approach in responding to current challenges, such as the conflicts in North Africa, the persistent issues in the Western Balkans region, and the threats posed by the Houthis. To further discuss collaboration to address current tensions, and more specifically, the “Shields” operation, Dendias announced an upcoming meeting with Commissioner Borrell.
Dendias commended NATO as “the most successful military alliance in history,” citing its success in Ukraine. He also proposed that NATO should transform into more than just a military alliance, urging it to become an alliance based on principles that can advance its values worldwide. He concluded, “this is the challenge for NATO”.
