Fri Apr 04 03:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Greece Unveils €25 Billion Military Modernization Plan Amidst Turkey Tensions

**ATHENS, Greece** – Greece announced a €25 billion ($27 billion) investment over the next decade to modernize its military, shifting towards a high-tech, networked defense strategy. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias revealed the plan, dubbed “Achilles Shield,” in parliament Wednesday, emphasizing its importance in addressing escalating tensions with neighboring Turkey.

The initiative marks a radical departure from traditional defense systems, focusing instead on mobile, AI-powered missile systems, drone technology, advanced command units, and next-generation soldier gear equipped with advanced sensors and communication systems. The plan also includes developing dedicated satellite capabilities for secure communications.

Dendias stressed the plan’s significance, describing it as “a complete shift in our defense approach, a total change in doctrine,” moving away from a reliance on naval power alone to defend the Aegean Sea. The modernization will also involve greater collaboration with Greek tech start-ups and a restructuring of the armed forces, including unit mergers and base closures.

The announcement comes amidst increased European military spending in response to the war in Ukraine and concerns about reduced US commitment to European defense. Greece’s modernization drive, which began after years of austerity measures, already includes cooperation with France, Israel, and the United States. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to purchasing US-made F-35 fighter jets, dismissing calls for a European alternative. The full details of the “Achilles Shield” plan will be presented to lawmakers in closed-door sessions in the coming weeks.

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