Greece will invest €25 billion to boost its defence in the next 12 years, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Tuesday, adding that Israel will be a key partner.
The Mediterranean country already fulfils NATO obligation to spend 2% of GDP on defence, investing nearly 3.5% so far.
In his speech in parliament, the centre-right leader stressed the need for drones and noted that Europe is currently facing a “production gap” in defence, especially in defence capabilities.
Moreover, he emphasised the participation of the Greek defence industry in armament programmes. Last week, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said that from now on, any contract for armament programmes concluded with companies from abroad must provide for 25% Greek participation.
‘Shield of Achilles’
Table of Contents
- Greece to Invest €25 Billion in defense: Eyes Israel for ‘Shield of Achilles’ Dome
- The €25 Billion Defence Investment: A Breakdown
- The “Shield of Achilles”: An Air Defence Game Changer?
- Strategic Implications for Greece and the Region
- Challenges and Considerations
- the Economic Impact of Defence Spending
- First-Hand Experiance: Perspectives from the Ground
- Potential partners and Suppliers
- benefits and Practical Tips
- Case Studies: Lessons from Israel
- potential Challenges in Implementation
- The Role of International Cooperation
- Impact on Defence Industry Jobs: A Short Overview
- How AI Will transform the Investment
- Defence Priorities of Greece for 2025-2030
Mitsotakis announced the creation of ‘Shield of Achilles’, an anti-missile, anti-ballistic umbrella similar to Israel’s Iron Dome.
The ‘Shield of Achilles’ will operate on five levels: Anti-drone, anti-missile, anti-aircraft, anti-ship and anti-submarine.
He said that Greece already has surface-to-air missile (SAM) Patriot, which is produced by the American Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
But to get new ones, it will take four to five years, as there is no production capacity, he said.
“Israel can provide us more quickly,” Mitsotakis added.
Germany and Finland are amongst the other European countries that have Israeli air defence systems on order.
Turkey brings Israel, Greece closer
Earlier this week, Mitsotakis had a meeting with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. The two leaders reportedly discussed the Great Sea Interconnector, an undersea power cable aiming to connect Greece, Cyprus and Israel.
The planned cable has received a major EU grant as it’s considered a European project of common interest. However, the project has been temporarily frozen mainly to the objections raised by neighbouring Turkey.
“The Commission is aware of the situation […] we are in exchange with the Greek and Cypriot governments on possible future actions”, an EU spokesperson told Euractiv.
Athens and Tel Aviv have lately come closer considering their troubled relations with Turkey.
Greece and Turkey have been enjoying some calm lately thanks to an ongoing high-level diplomatic dialogue focusing on the so-called “soft politics,” as major issues related to maritime disputes will be discussed at a later stage.
However, the ships Ievoli Relume and NG Worker which were carrying out research activities about the power cable were forced to stop in March, when Turkish naval ships showed up.
The Greek government seems not willing to shake the calm waters with Turkey, as they are still weighing the new balances after Donald Trump’s return as well as Ankara’s role in Europe’s new push for defence spending.
Turkish-Israeli relations are not easy either. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan lashed out at Israel on Sunday during a speech after the end of Ramadan prayers.
“We experienced a wonderful Ramadan. May God grant us the right to experience more Ramadans. May He not separate us. Of course, we know and see what is happening in Israel. May God destroy, destroy Zionist Israel”, Erdoğan said.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar replied immediately: “Dictator Erdoğan has revealed his anti-Semitic face. He is dangerous for the region, but also for his own people, as has been proven in recent days. Let’s hope that NATO members will understand this as soon as possible”.
Mitsotakis under political pressure
Mitsotakis’ defence announcement comes amid turmoil in his New Democracy party due to polls suggesting a free fall.
Critics in Athens suggest that by focusing on defence Mitsotakis wants to attract conservative votes as right-wing populists on the right increasingly fish votes from his party.
All recent polls show that New Democracy is not in a position to form a single-party government anymore, while Mitsotakis’ personal popularity has reached an all-time low.
Meanwhile, Mitsotakis is facing internal opposition.
Defence Minister Dendias – widely seen in Athens as Mitsotakis’ successor – recently organised an event gathering heavyweight New Democracy politicians who have openly criticised the prime minister’s “liberal” approach toward Turkey.
Among them was former prime ministers Antonis Samaras and Kostas Karamanlis.
date:2025-04-03 04:01:00
Greece to Invest €25 Billion in defense: Eyes Israel for ‘Shield of Achilles’ Dome
Amidst a backdrop of evolving geopolitical tensions and a renewed focus on national security,Greece has announced a ample €25 billion investment in its defence capabilities. A key component of this ambitious plan is the acquisition of a cutting-edge air defence system, drawing inspiration from Israel’s renowned Iron Dome technology, and tentatively named the “Shield of Achilles.” This move signals a significant shift in Greece’s strategic posture and its commitment to safeguarding its airspace and territorial integrity.
The €25 Billion Defence Investment: A Breakdown
The allocation of the €25 billion defence budget reflects a multifaceted approach to modernizing the Hellenic Armed Forces. While the “Shield of Achilles” air defence system is a prominent element, the overall investment encompasses a wide range of upgrades and acquisitions, including:
- Naval Modernization: Enhancing the capabilities of the Hellenic navy with new frigates, corvettes, and submarine upgrades.
- Air Force enhancement: Procuring advanced fighter jets, upgrading existing aircraft, and investing in drone technology for surveillance and reconnaissance.
- Army Modernization: Acquiring new armored vehicles, artillery systems, and advanced weaponry for ground forces.
- Cybersecurity Infrastructure: Strengthening cybersecurity defenses to protect critical infrastructure and government networks from cyber threats.
- personnel Training and Advancement: Investing in training programs to ensure that the Hellenic Armed Forces are equipped with the skills and knowlege to operate the latest technologies effectively.
The “Shield of Achilles”: An Air Defence Game Changer?
The proposed “Shield of Achilles” air defence system is intended to provide a comprehensive shield against a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including:
- Rockets and Missiles: Intercepting incoming rockets and missiles aimed at strategic targets.
- Drones: Neutralizing opposed drones used for reconnaissance or attack purposes.
- Aircraft: engaging enemy aircraft that violate Greek airspace.
The system is envisioned as a layered defence network, combining short-range, medium-range, and long-range interceptors to maximize its effectiveness.The potential collaboration with Israel, leveraging their expertise in developing the Iron Dome system, is seen as crucial to the success of the “Shield of Achilles” project.
Why Model After Israel’s iron Dome?
Israel’s Iron Dome has proven to be highly effective in intercepting rockets and missiles, particularly those launched from the Gaza Strip. key factors contributing to its success include:
- Advanced Radar Technology: detecting and tracking incoming projectiles with precision.
- Refined Interceptor Missiles: Intercepting and destroying threats mid-air.
- Rapid Response Time: Quickly reacting to incoming attacks.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Only engaging threats that pose a significant risk to populated areas or critical infrastructure.
Greece aims to adapt and customize the Iron Dome technology to meet its specific defence needs and operational requirements. The collaboration with Israeli defence contractors is expected to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology to ensure the accomplished implementation of the “Shield of Achilles.”
Strategic Implications for Greece and the Region
The substantial defence investment and the “Shield of Achilles” project have far-reaching strategic implications for Greece and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region:
- Enhanced Deterrence: Strengthening Greece’s ability to deter potential adversaries and protect its territorial integrity.
- Improved Regional Security: Contributing to stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean by enhancing Greece’s defensive capabilities.
- Strengthened Alliances: Deepening defence cooperation with key allies, including Israel and the United States.
- Economic Benefits: Creating opportunities for local defence industries to participate in the development and maintenance of the “Shield of Achilles” system.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the potential benefits, the implementation of the defence investment plan and the “shield of Achilles” project faces several challenges and considerations:
- Budgetary Constraints: Ensuring that the €25 billion budget is effectively managed and that resources are allocated efficiently.
- Technological Integration: Successfully integrating new systems and technologies into the existing Hellenic Armed Forces infrastructure.
- Geopolitical Considerations: Balancing defence cooperation with regional dynamics and maintaining constructive relations with neighboring countries.
- Maintenance and Sustainment: Establishing a robust framework for maintaining and sustaining the “Shield of Achilles” system over its lifespan.
the Economic Impact of Defence Spending
While primarily focused on national security, Greece’s substantial defence investment is expected to have a ripple effect on the domestic economy. This influence manifests through various channels:
- Job Creation: New jobs will be created within defence industries and related sectors, from manufacturing to research and development, also maintenance and support.
- Technological Advancement: The need for sophisticated equipment encourages domestic innovation and attract international collaborations.
- offset Agreements: Agreements negotiated as part of major defence contracts lead to skills transfer and investment in local infrastructure.
First-Hand Experiance: Perspectives from the Ground
To understand the broader implications of this investment, it’s crucial to consider perspectives from within Greece.Here are some potential scenarios:
- Military Personnel: Improved equipment and technology lead to increased moral, more effective training, and greater operational readiness.
- Local Communities: Communities near military bases or defence industry facilities benefit from increased employment opportunities.
- Businesses: indirectly profit from defence spending through increased demand for goods and services.
Potential partners and Suppliers
Apart from Israel, several other nations are likely to become key partners in greece’s defence modernisation efforts. These include:
- United States: A long-standing ally, the US is expected to supply advanced weaponry and technological expertise.
- France: Also a strategic partner, offering both equipment and potential collaboration on joint development projects.
- Germany: A major European industrial power.
benefits and Practical Tips
For Greek citizens, this enhanced defence posture can bring peace of mind.Here are some practical takeaways:
- Sense of Security: A stronger defence force provides a greater sense of security and stability.
- Economic Opportunities: Defence spending can create new job opportunities.
- National Pride: A modern and well-equipped military can boost national pride and confidence.
Case Studies: Lessons from Israel
greece can learn valuable lessons from Israel’s extensive experience in developing and operating the Iron dome system:
- Adaptability: Modify and adapt the borrowed technology to fit the specific threats that Greece faces.
- Redundancy: Build overlapping layers of defence to ensure effectiveness.
- Maintenance: invest in local maintenance and support capabilities to reduce dependance on foreign vendors.
potential Challenges in Implementation
Despite the ambitious nature of the “shield of Achilles” initiative, several challenges need to be addressed to ensure its successful implementation:
- Bureaucracy and Red Tape: Streamlining procurement processes to avoid delays.
- Technological Compatibility: Ensuring that the new systems can be seamlessly integrated with existing infrastructure.
- Skilled Personnel: Overcoming the challenge of finding and training skilled personnel to operate the new equipment.
The Role of International Cooperation
Greece’s defence modernization efforts are strongly tied to international relations and geopolitical alignment.
- NATO Membership: Greece’s membership within NATO provides a safety net and framework for cooperation.
- Strategic Alliances: Strengthening relationships with key allies such as the United States and France.
- Regional Diplomacy: Balancing defence partnerships with maintaining stable diplomatic ties with neighboring countries.
Impact on Defence Industry Jobs: A Short Overview
The following table provides a high-level view of the impact on the Defence Industry Jobs.
| Sector | Job Category | Estimated Job Creation |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Assembly and Production | 500 |
| Engineering | Systems Integration | 400 |
| IT & Cybersecurity | Network Security | 300 |
| Logistics | Supply Chain Management | 200 |
How AI Will transform the Investment
Embracing Artificial Intelligence is key to securing the full value of Greece’s defence investment and maximizing the “Shield of Achilles” potential benefits:
Specifically, AI can:
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Improve threat detection and response times through AI-powered analytics.
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Optimize resource allocation and predictive maintenance via Machine Learning.
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Foster collaborative intelligence through networked AI agents across land, sea, and air.
Defence Priorities of Greece for 2025-2030
The defence priorities of Greece for 2025-2030 will see an increased focus on a few critically important areas of focus.
- Increase investment in cutting edge cyber security technologies.
- Modernize naval fleet.
- Invest in unmanned aerial vehicles for border survelliance.