Greece’s “Agenda 2030” Reform: Defence Ministry’s 2025 Targets Unveiled

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The Greek Ministry of National Defence is aligning its strategic priorities with the broader “Agenda 2030,” setting ambitious targets for 2025 to modernise the armed forces and enhance their integration with society.

Defence Minister Nikos Dendias has described Agenda 2030 as more than a roadmap for military reform, emphasising its “conservative, reformist, and progressive” values. This initiative seeks to bridge the armed forces with Greek society while addressing pressing issues such as infrastructure, personnel welfare, and cutting-edge defence capabilities.

Key Legislative Initiatives for 2025

Military Hospitals and Healthcare Enhancements

The first bill to reach Parliament in 2025 will focus on military hospitals and associated healthcare support. Aimed at improving healthcare access and funding, the bill will provide armed forces personnel the flexibility to seek treatment in military, public, or private hospitals. It also introduces measures to address resignations in the healthcare sector by improving conditions for medical personnel.

Additionally, the legislation includes provisions to extend healthcare support for disabled children of armed forces members beyond the age of 25.

Housing and Real Estate Management

A housing program bill aims to meet the accommodation needs of military personnel through a strategic overhaul of real estate assets. Central to this initiative is the establishment of a unified National Defence Property Fund (NDFP), replacing three existing funds, to streamline the management of defence property.

The Armed Forces Real Estate Exploitation Service (YPAPED) will be restructured into a private legal entity, the “Armed Forces Real Estate Company” (ETAED), tasked with optimising the use of military property.

Modernising Military Service

In line with Agenda 2030, a new bill on military service will be introduced in 2025. While the duration of service remains unchanged, the legislation will emphasise enhancing military training. It also introduces options for vocational training during conscription, catering to conscripts’ career development.

Other reforms include restructuring force deployments and repurposing non-essential military camps for housing initiatives.

Defence Modernisation Projects

Frigates, F-16s, and Advanced Air Defence Systems

The Hellenic Navy anticipates receiving its first FDI frigate in 2025, with the second arriving by year’s end. Discussions on modernising the MEKO frigates are ongoing.

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The Air Force will continue upgrading its fleet of F-16 jets to the advanced “Viper” configuration, a project critical to Greece’s defence capabilities.

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The Ministry is also progressing with its anti-aircraft and anti-drone “double canopy” initiative. By February 2025, a new management structure for these systems will be operational. International bids for the project are expected from companies in the U.S., Israel, the U.K., and France, with full deployment planned for 2026.

New Armaments and Innovation

The integration of innovation into the armed forces is a key element of the new Force Structure, which includes special disaster response units and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities. The Ministry plans to present a comprehensive armament proposal to Parliament within 2025.

Balancing Reform and Strategic Goals

Minister Dendias has emphasised that these reforms reflect Greece’s commitment to maintaining a competitive and transparent approach to defence procurement. “There is no privileged interlocutor,” Dendias assured Parliament, reinforcing the Ministry’s focus on competitive bidding processes for all major projects.

With a mix of progressive reforms and targeted investments, the Ministry’s Agenda 2030-driven efforts aim to secure Greece’s defence readiness while strengthening its bond with society.

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