Following a meeting of the Government Council for National Security (KYSEA) held on 23 March 2026 at the Maximos Mansion under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias announced a series of major decisions aimed at significantly enhancing the country’s defence capabilities across all domains.

Central to the discussions was the development of a comprehensive multi-layered air defence architecture, including anti-drone, anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic capabilities, forming part of the broader “Achilles’ Shield” initiative. The system will incorporate advanced Command & Control (C2) elements, marking what Dendias described as “a transition to a new era” in national air and missile defence.

In the naval domain, long-awaited progress was confirmed regarding the modernisation of the Hellenic Navy’s MEKO-class frigates. The upgrade programme, delayed for years, will now proceed, ensuring that all four vessels are brought up to modern operational standards, enhancing their survivability and combat effectiveness in increasingly complex maritime environments.

On the airpower front, the Minister reiterated Greece’s ongoing preparations for the integration of the F-35 fifth-generation fighter aircraft, with the first delivery expected in 2028 in the United States. Infrastructure development to support the new aircraft has now been formally approved, underlining Greece’s commitment to maintaining qualitative superiority in the region.

Additionally, KYSEA approved the upgrade of F-16 Block 50 aircraft to the F-16 Viper configuration, further expanding the Hellenic Air Force’s fleet of advanced fighters. Once completed, Greece is expected to operate well over 100 F-16 Viper aircraft, alongside its Rafale fighters and future F-35s, positioning the country among the most capable air forces in Europe.

Transport aviation was also addressed, with approval granted for the Follow-On Support (FOS) programme for the C-27J Spartan fleet, ensuring improved availability and sustainability. Dendias highlighted the significant progress made in recent years, noting that Greece has effectively restored its transport aircraft fleet, which now numbers 12 operational aircraft, compared to minimal availability in the past.

Looking ahead, the Minister acknowledged the need for next-generation transport aircraft, suggesting that the acquisition of at least two or three new platforms will be considered in the future, following further discussions and parliamentary briefings.

Overall, the decisions taken at KYSEA reflect a comprehensive effort to modernise Greece’s armed forces, strengthen operational readiness, and enhance deterrence through investments in advanced technologies across air, sea and support capabilities.