Greece is arming itself. According to a government decree, the Greek state will spend 25 billion euros on defense equipment over the next 12 years. The plan, according to the Greek government, seeks to strengthen the country's military capabilities and boost its domestic industry. The new long-term plan is the first of its kind for the country and comes as nations across Europe are looking to increase military spending in the face of Russia's continued aggression in Ukraine and a U.S. security pullback on the continent.
"Greece may be small in size, but its geopolitical importance is great," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told lawmakers on Wednesday. He added, "The Defense Minister knows that he has 25 billion euros available for the duration of the program. He will now have to prioritize and make the choices that are critical and necessary," Mitsotakis stressed.
Unlike many EU counterparts, Greece is no stranger to government spending policies. It has historically been one of the NATO members with the highest defense spending as a share of its economic output, regularly exceeding the alliance's 2% GDP target even at the height of its financial woes.
This is largely due to its long-standing rivalry with neighboring Turkey, a source of perpetual tension that has forced both countries to maintain strong deterrent capabilities. Over the past five years, Greece has done this by purchasing 24 Rafale fighter jets and frigates from France and ordering up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the US.
Now, with Europe focused on facilitating greater defense investments, including greater fiscal space, Greece is seeking to set a clear path for the years ahead.
The strategy also foresees the integration of new defense technologies into Greece's capabilities to account for the changing nature of warfare. This includes more unmanned aerial vehicles, drone and anti-drone systems, the use of AI as well as cybersecurity methods, the prime minister said.
On Sunday, Mitsotakis traveled to Israel to meet with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as officials from the country's defense ministry and senior leaders from its military sector. The Greek leader discussed the possibility of expanding cooperation with them, emphasizing innovation and technological capabilities. (A2 Televizion)
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