Greece is pushing one of its most ambitious military overhauls in decades. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias presented a pa...

Greece is pushing one of its most ambitious military overhauls in decades. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias presented a package of major armament proposals to the Hellenic Parliament's Special Permanent Committee on Armament Programs this week, covering air power, naval strength, and a new layered air-defense system. The centerpiece is what Dendias called the "Achilles Shield," a multi-layered protective dome designed to counter aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles over Greek territory. He said lessons from recent conflict zones made the need for such a system obvious. Greek defense companies are set to cover at least 25 percent of production on these systems. On air power, Greece plans to upgrade roughly 40 F-16 Block 50 jets to the Viper configuration, which would bring the total Viper fleet to more than 100 aircraft. Infrastructure development at Andravida air base is also in the plans, specifically to support the eventual integration of F-35 fighter jets. Dendias described the F-35 as far more than a fighter, calling it an advanced platform that would open a new technological era for the Hellenic Air Force. The naval side of the package covers the modernization of MEKO-class frigates, with Greek shipyards expected to play a central role. Support programs for existing transport fleets, including the C-27, are also part of the submission. Dendias framed the entire package under "Agenda 2030," Greece's long-term defense planning framework. He said the goal is to build Greek armed forces stronger than at any point in the country's history, and that the security this brings to Greek society would be more critical than ever given the current regional environment. #Greece #HellenicArmedForces #Defense