On July 23, 2026, the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, participated in the meeting of the Government Council for National Security (KYSEA), chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, at the Maximos Mansion.
Following the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Dendias briefed accredited journalists of the Ministry of National Defence on the activation of new defence procurement programmes approved by KYSEA.
According to the Defence Minister, the new programmes represent a transition towards a more integrated and technology-driven defence architecture, based on advanced command, control, intelligence, and surveillance capabilities.
New defence programmes approved by KYSEA
The first and largest programme concerns the creation of the Threat Detection and Ballistic Response Network, described by the Minister as Greece’s anti-aircraft, anti-ballistic and anti-drone “Shield”.
The system will consist of multiple layers of protection covering Greek territory and will incorporate an integrated command and control structure. The programme has a total value exceeding €3 billion and includes Greek defence industry participation of more than 25%, representing over €700 million in industrial involvement.
Dendias explained that the new architecture will move Greece from traditional C4I systems towards a C5 ISRT model, combining Command, Control, Compute, Communicate, and Cyber capabilities with Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting functions.
The Minister said the system will collect and process information from multiple sensors across the country, enabling faster threat identification and response.
The second programme concerns the acquisition of non-kinetic counter-unmanned aircraft systems, which will operate alongside the wider Shield architecture by neutralising drone threats through electromagnetic capabilities rather than conventional weapons.
The third programme involves the acquisition of additional HERON 1 Category III unmanned systems, enhancing Greece’s aerial surveillance, intelligence collection and data transmission capabilities. The systems will also have future weapons integration potential.
The fourth programme concerns Greece’s participation in a small satellite constellation, providing high-resolution satellite imagery regardless of weather conditions and under national control.
The fifth programme includes the acquisition of ten additional V-BAT unmanned systems. Greece already operates four V-BAT systems, and the additional platforms will strengthen network-centric surveillance capabilities in the Aegean and the Evros region. Future weaponisation capability is also planned.
The sixth programme involves the acquisition, through a NATO organisation, of night vision systems capable of transmitting imagery directly to operational centres.
The seventh programme is the acquisition of three Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft through a government-to-government agreement with Portugal. The aircraft will provide enhanced transport capabilities, aerial refuelling capacity for Rafale and Mirage fighters, and additional roles including medical evacuation.
The eighth programme concerns the acquisition of ten VICTA Special Operations Vehicles, underwater platforms designed for the transport of Special Forces personnel. Two vehicles will be built in the United Kingdom and eight in Greek shipyards, with future autonomous capabilities planned.
The ninth programme concerns the upgrade of the anti-submarine warfare systems of four MEKO frigates.
The tenth programme involves the acquisition of laser-guided Hellfire missiles for Apache helicopters.
The eleventh programme focuses on expanding postgraduate scholarship opportunities in the United States, particularly at MIT, aiming to develop personnel with advanced technological expertise and transfer knowledge back to Greece.
Clarifications from journalists’ questions
During the briefing, Dendias provided further details regarding several aspects of the programmes.
Regarding the Achilles Shield, the Minister stated that the system will become fully operational within 35 months, while deliveries will take place progressively. He also confirmed that the total cost of the air defence programme exceeds €3 billion.
On the issue of command and control systems, Dendias stressed that Greece will maintain access to the source code of acquired systems, arguing that this is essential for operational independence and the ability to modify and develop the architecture of critical defence systems.
Regarding the C-390 Millennium programme, the Minister stated that all approved programmes include a minimum Greek industrial participation rate of 25%. He highlighted that the aircraft will be maintained in Greece, including both airframe and engine maintenance, strengthening domestic capabilities.
Asked about existing Russian-origin air defence systems, Dendias referred specifically to the S-300, stating that although the system is not obsolete, it has been replaced by newer systems by its country of origin and should be considered a departing element of Greece’s arsenal.
On procurement procedures, the Defence Minister said that the programmes followed market research, offers from suppliers and negotiations conducted by the General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments. He noted that alternative offers were examined, including from both European and US sources.
Regarding Greek defence industry participation in the Shield programme, Dendias clarified that the objective is not simply the purchase of foreign systems, but the establishment of production capabilities in Greece through cooperation with international companies, including Israeli firms, creating potential for future exports.
He added that further announcements regarding the new Force Structure and the long-term defence procurement plan covering 2027-2037 will be presented in September.
You can view the full presentation in Greek here.
You can read the full transcript of the briefing in Greek here.
(Photo Credits: Directorate of Information / Ministry of National Defence / Evangelos Karaiskos)