In today's speech to the Greek Parliament, PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled a new defence spending programme. Set at 25 billion euros over the next 12 years, this initiative adds to the already significant military expenditure underway in the country. Mitsotakis described the plan as a key part of the most substantial transformation of Greece’s Armed Forces in modern history. He stressed that the goal isn’t just to enhance military equipment, but to ensure the country’s strength, stability, and independence.

Defence as the foundation of national prosperity

During his address, Mitsotakis strongly rejected the idea of having to choose between military spending and social welfare, labelling the notion of “guns versus butter” as both flawed and dangerous. While substantial sums are being allocated to defence, the PM pointed out the stark contrast between this investment and Greece’s challenges at home – including low purchasing power, rising housing costs, and the general squeeze on household budgets. According to Mitsotakis, a strong national defence is the foundation for economic prosperity. Without a secure environment, he argued, Greece cannot achieve growth or social cohesion. He made the case that economic stability is key to funding defence, and that Greece’s economy needs to be supported by a secure national framework. He also raised concerns about global security, highlighting the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the rise of violence in the Middle East.

Modernising Greece’s armed forces

Mitsotakis also took the opportunity to showcase the substantial strides made in modernising Greece’s military since 2019. These include the addition of 24 cutting-edge Rafale fighter jets, three new Belh@rra frigates, and a range of new drones and helicopters designed for anti-submarine warfare. Greece’s submarines have also been upgraded with new torpedoes, improving their operational capabilities.

He introduced a new project designed to bolster Greece’s air defences, named the “Achilles Shield.” This system will combine existing defence resources with advanced technologies to provide multi-layered protection, covering everything from missile and aircraft threats to submarines and drones. He stressed that this will be one of Greece’s largest ever military investments, and it is essential for the country’s long-term security. He also indicated that the project would include significant domestic involvement, contributing to Greece’s technological capabilities.

European defence cooperation

Mitsotakis also discussed the need for greater European cooperation on defence, suggesting that the EU should eventually establish a dedicated fund for military spending. He proposed that this fund could be used to finance projects that benefit all member states, such as a European missile defence system. Such a scheme, he argued, would be funded by EU resources and distributed to member countries as grants rather than loans, providing a more sustainable model for collective defence.

The PM also addressed the issue of military recruitment, highlighting the fact that, for the first time in 14 years, Greek military personnel have received pay increases. He explained that this move is designed to attract more young people to consider a career in the Armed Forces, particularly as interest in military careers has been waning. Mitsotakis acknowledged concerns regarding Greece’s security forces but reassured the public that his government has always supported them and would continue to do so, with more financial measures expected to be announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair.

In closing, Mitsotakis expressed his confidence in the government’s ability to balance economic growth with social support:

“I believe we have proven that when the economy is doing better, we have a way of returning the benefits of that growth to social groups, according to the priorities we set. And we will do the same now. However, we will do it at the right time and with the responsibility that should characterise us.”

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