- 16 Exocet missiles part of €25B decade-long defense overhaul
- Follows recent purchases of 24 Rafale jets and 3 Belharra frigates
- Fourth French frigate under negotiation as partnership deepens
- Modernization focuses on AI missile systems and drone warfare
- 81% of budget targets high-tech solutions over conventional forces
Athens has accelerated military modernization efforts through strategic European partnerships, with France emerging as its primary defense supplier. The newly signed Exocet agreement follows Greece's 2021 $3.4 billion Rafale fighter jet acquisition and 2022 frigate procurement program valued at €5 billion. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias emphasized this shift responds to evolving combat paradigms: Our strategy prioritizes smart deterrence through networked systems rather than mass troop deployments.
Analysts note Greece's defense spending now exceeds 2.3% of GDP, surpassing NATO's 2% target. The funding allocation reveals three key priorities: 42% for naval systems, 31% for air defense modernization, and 27% for cyber/drone capabilities. This comes as Turkish F-16 overflights in the Aegean increased 17% year-over-year, according to Hellenic Air Force reports.
The French-Greek defense partnership extends beyond hardware sales. Naval experts from both nations recently conducted joint AI-powered war games simulating eastern Mediterranean scenarios. A 2024 NATO assessment shows such technology integration reduces target acquisition time by 63% compared to traditional systems.
Regional dynamics continue driving Athens' strategy. Turkey's development of the Atmaca anti-ship missile – with 220km range versus Exocet's 180km – has intensified the arms race. However, Greece counters through interoperability; its new missiles integrate with Israeli-made radar stations on 12 Aegean islands.
Industry observers highlight an emerging Mediterranean defense corridor. Greece's tech-focused approach mirrors Israel's Iron Dome evolution,notes SIPRI analyst Lukas Klein. By 2028, we expect 74% of Greek forces will operate networked systems versus 22% in 2020.This transformation faces challenges – a recent parliamentary report warned of 14,000 personnel needing retraining by 2026.
