The Defense Ministry and military leadership are preparing for an intensive period of activity after the summer break, as a series of defense procurement and modernization programs move into the implementation phase.
Officials have expressed satisfaction with a sharp increase in interest among prospective students for military academies and the filling of all available positions at the Hellenic Military Academy and the Noncommissioned Officers School.
However, political and military leaders have stressed that work must continue on personnel, administration and the broader modernization of the armed forces. Through the end of the year as authorities seek to advance mature programs, including a planned air-defense shield, upgrades of F-16 Block 50 fighter jets and the modernization of MEKO-class frigates.
A priority is the Achilles’ Shield air and missile defense project. Within weeks, signatures are expected between Greece’s General Directorate for Defense Investments and Armaments and Israel’s SIBAT and MAFAT for an interstate agreement worth about €3 billion.
The package includes three air-defense systems – Spider AIO, David’s Sling and Barak MX – along with ELM2084 radars and a command-and-control center to be built with participation from Greece’s domestic defense industry.
