Greece’s Defense Minister Nikos Dendias briefed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on National Defence and Foreign Affairs on Thursday about a 20-year plan for a weapons program in the context of an overhaul of the Greek Armed Forces, including the closure of 137 military camps nationwide.

Justifying his plan to shut down over 130 military camps, Dendias said, “It makes no sense for us to have more military camps than the U.S.,” announcing the shutting down would be complete by 2025, as reported by Vimatodotis. “We will abolish over 30 formations and consolidate units to reinforce firepower.”

“The conscripts,” explained the minister, “must receive substantial and lifelong training.” He highlighted disparities in camp occupancy rates, noting that some units in Evros operate at 30% capacity while others in the Peloponnese exceed 130%, an imbalance that must be rectified.

Discussing the career paths of military personnel, the minister emphasized the need for systemic changes to support these individuals, stating, “If we don’t adapt the career path and support structures, we won’t have the necessary personnel in the next decade.” He underlined, “We will present the best family support system because we need military officers,” adding, “These are not matters of political management or partisan propaganda, but national issues that require broader consensus and informed agreement.”

Focus on Cyberwarfare Capabilities

On defense procurement for the Greek Armed Forces, Nikos Dendias deferred detailed discussions to a future session. However, the significance of drone and anti-drone systems was touched upon during the briefing, including an anti-air and anti-ballistic defense network.

Addressing the navy and air force, he stressed the goal of maintaining a fleet of 200 aircraft to free up resources, enabling Greece to sustain its most powerful air force to date. On naval capabilities, he asserted that the fleet should not only defend the Aegean but project power as needed.

Finally, Dendias emphasized the need for both offensive and defensive cyberwarfare capabilities. He highlighted an impending shift in communication protocols, stating, “We must transition to secure satellite communications. An independent Greek satellite is essential. The potential threat already has two satellites.”