Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias detailed the salary increases for uniformed personnel, on Friday, March 28, following an earlier announcement by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the increases. According to the minister, military staff will see salary hikes ranging from 13% to 20%, depending on their level of responsibility.
Describing the new salary structure as fairer, Dendias emphasized that the total budget for these increases amounts to 268 million euros, with 60% of the funding coming from savings within the Ministry of National Defense. “This is the least we can do to recognize the contribution of our personnel,” he stated.
He further clarified that this wage reform will take effect on April 1, while the ministry is also exploring ways to improve the salaries of civilian personnel.
Restructuring of the Armed Forces
Addressing broader reforms, the minister highlighted upcoming changes to the structure and operations of the Greek Armed Forces. He pointed out that the new defense doctrine will involve greater participation of the domestic defense industry, which will contribute 25% to new armament programs.
“The members of the Armed Forces cannot continue to live under financial strain,” Dendias stressed, making special mention of their role in civil protection and healthcare. He underscored that the military is becoming a driver of economic growth rather than just a consumer of resources.
He also outlined the government’s vision for 2030, which includes housing provisions for personnel and their families stationed in remote areas of Greece. The plan includes the construction of 4,000 homes, with 1,000 built annually. Additionally, a modernized healthcare system will be developed to serve both active-duty and retired personnel.
