Greece’s Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced on Sunday the establishment of a Drone and Anti-Drone Training School in Tripoli on the Peloponnese.
This new center is a key part of the government’s “Agenda 2030” and its push to integrate autonomous aerial vehicles (UAVs) and counter-drone systems into the Greek Armed Forces.
Dendias, representing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, framed the modernization as essential for national survival. He argued that geopolitical realities necessitate strong alliances and robust military forces and added that past failures to defend sovereignty must be addressed with courage and national unity.
The Minister predicted the new school would transform Tripoli from a traditional training facility into a center of advanced technological capability that will also stimulate the local economy.
Drones enter Greece’s armed forces
In May, Greece inducted the V-BAT drones (UAVs) into the country’s Armed Forces—a donation from the Athanassios K. Laskaridis Foundation.
The advanced drones represent a significant leap in technological capability for the military. With high operational flexibility, long autonomy, in-motion handling, and low operating costs, the V-BAT UAVs can operate even under adverse weather conditions and electromagnetic interference, making them especially valuable for modern warfare scenarios.
“What we’re seeing today isn’t science fiction—it’s the real face of the battlefield,” PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis said, emphasizing the tactical importance of these systems.
Drone and anti-drone defense is a key element of Greece’s “Agenda 2030”
“Agenda 2030” seeks to fundamentally transform the Hellenic Armed Forces and bolster the nation’s defense capabilities in response to what Dendias recently described as a “visible threat.” He reiterated prior announcements and detailed new initiatives:
- “Achilles Shield”—A multi-layered defense dome: This ambitious, multi-layered air defense system is a cornerstone of the reform, designed to provide Greece with a robust defense against a wide spectrum of aerial threats. Inspired by the mythical hero’s five-layered shield, it will integrate anti-drone, anti-missile, anti-aircraft, anti-ship, and anti-submarine capabilities. Estimated to cost approximately €2.8 billion (around $3.2 billion), the “Achilles Shield” aims to combine existing air defense means with new capabilities, including AI-powered missile systems, drone technologies, and advanced command units. It represents a decisive shift towards a high-tech, networked defense strategy, moving away from traditional reliance solely on conventional fleets.
- ELKAK (Hellenic Defence Innovation Center): The successful institutionalization and operation of this defense innovation hub is critical, with “Centaurus” cited as a prime example of its work. ELKAK plays a central role in fostering local tech start-ups and ensuring Greek components and know-how are integrated into defense procurement.
- Long-term armaments planning & domestic industry boost: For the first time in Greece’s history, a 12-year (effectively 20-year) armaments plan has been submitted, with a total budget of €25-28 billion (around $29.4 billion to $32.9 billion). A significant allocation of 25 percent of the total amount is earmarked to strengthen the domestic defense industry, a pioneering initiative for Greece.
- New force structure: Plans for a revised force structure will be served by newly acquired military assets, focusing on modernizing communications and utilizing satellite capabilities. This includes the creation of a new branch for “post-evolution, innovation and defense technology” and a Joint Information Technology Corps focusing on artificial intelligence.
The Greek government believes that the “Agenda 2030” initiatives underscore Greece’s commitment to building a more agile, modern, and effective defense force, capable of addressing contemporary security challenges and bolstering national security in a changing geopolitical landscape.
Related: Greece Unveils Sweeping Defense Reforms: Conscription, Military Command Changes
