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Greece moves to upgrade defense sector through procurement, partnerships
Greece continues to upgrade its defense sector through new procurements and outreach to foreign partners as part of the country’s 12-year, €26 billion defense modernization program that emphasizes innovation, industrial development, and international cooperation.
Earlier this month, with a sweeping majority of 243 votes to 45, Greece’s Parliament approved the acquisition of a fourth, cutting-edge Belharra frigate from France’s Naval Group, and the technological upgrade of the first three that have been commissioned. Importantly, the contract that was approved by Parliament foresees Greek participation in the program rising to 25% from 12% previously.
This month, a Greek delegation of defense firms also participated in the international defense and security exhibition AUSA 2025 in Washington, marking the twelfth year in a row. But this year’s participation carried special significance in light of Greece’s defense modernization program and the launch of the European Commission’s €800 billion ReArm Europe Plan announced in March.
Greece has been at the forefront of these developments and has previously proposed joint European initiatives such as a missile defense shield for the bloc. Among NATO members, Greece has long been one of the leaders in defense spending, with its defense budget last year at a little over 3% of GDP, above the level of most other allies.
Both the new Greek defense modernization program and the ReArm Europe initiative aim to develop the industrial and technological base to support defense readiness, with Greek companies showing particular strength in AI, autonomous systems, and cybersecurity.