Greece Ranks 32nd in Global Military Power Projection for 2025

Athens – Greece holds the 32nd position out of 145 nations in the projected 2025 Global Firepower ranking, maintaining a robust military presence within NATO. This ranking, based on data and trends from 2024, highlights Greece's commitment to defense, with a budget representing approximately 3% of its GDP. While the United States and other major powers dominate the top of the list, Greece's military capabilities remain a significant factor in regional security.

The Hellenic Armed Forces consist of three branches:

• Hellenic Air Force: A major force within NATO, operating approximately 227 fighter jets, including F-16s, F-4Es, Dassault Mirage 2000-5 Mk2s, and Dassault Rafale F3Rs. The Air Force focuses on airspace defense, support for other branches, and humanitarian aid.
• Hellenic Navy: A modern fleet comprising frigates, gunboats, submarines, and fast attack guided missile vessels. The Navy's mission centers on protecting territorial waters, the mainland, and the numerous Greek islands.
• Hellenic Army: The largest branch of the Hellenic Armed Forces, established in 1828, serves as the lead nation for the Balkan Battle Group, a rapid-response force under the EU Battlegroup structure. Its primary role is land defense and security.

Greece's military spending reflects ongoing regional tensions, particularly with neighboring Turkey. This historical rivalry influences defense priorities and equipment acquisitions, including a substantial tank fleet primarily composed of German-made Leopards, demonstrating a strategic approach to balancing military purchases between the United States and Europe. Although both Greece and Turkey are NATO members, the legacy of distrust and past conflicts, including the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, continues to shape military planning and investment in the region. Greece's commitment to a strong defense posture underscores its determination to safeguard its national interests and contribute to regional stability.