Dendias Announces Major Defence Procurement Programmes to Greek Parliament Committee

Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias, speaking from London on Monday, 16 March 2026, announced the submission of a series of major defence procurement programmes for review by the Hellenic Parliament’s Special Standing Committee on Armaments Programmes and Contracts.

According to the Minister, the programmes form part of the country’s Long-Term Defence Procurement Planning, aligned with the broader “Agenda 2030” framework, aimed at modernising Greece’s armed forces and strengthening national deterrence.

A central pillar of the new initiatives is the comprehensive upgrade of Greece’s air defence capabilities, through the development of a multi-layered air defence system designed to counter a wide spectrum of threats, including aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. This concept forms the core of the “Achilles’ Shield” deterrence programme, which aims to establish a nationwide protective umbrella.

Dendias also highlighted the participation of the Greek defence industry, noting that domestic companies are expected to contribute at least 25% to the production of these systems.

Additional programmes include the infrastructure development for the integration of F-35 fighter aircraft at Andravida Air Base, the upgrade of approximately 40 F-16 Block 50 aircraft to the Viper configuration, bringing the total number of upgraded F-16s in the Hellenic Air Force to over 100, and the modernisation of MEKO-class frigates, with involvement from Greek shipyards.

Furthermore, emphasis was placed on Follow-On Support (FOS) contracts, including support for transport aircraft such as the C-27J, which will now be treated as formal armament programmes, ensuring enhanced transparency and parliamentary oversight.

Concluding, the Minister underlined that these initiatives reflect Greece’s early recognition of the evolving security environment and will lead the Hellenic Armed Forces into a new era, aiming to make them the strongest in the country’s history.

Photo Credits: Hellenic Ministry of National Defence / Directorate of Information – Evangelos Karaiskos