Kathimerini Greece Newsroom
By Vassilis Nedos
In a sweeping overhaul of its military structure, Greece is set to streamline its armed forces with a bold new ''Force Structure'' plan.
The proposal, unveiled by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias before the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense, is designed to reduce unnecessary costs and optimize military readiness for the years 2024 to 2035. The restructuring emphasizes consolidating military units, enhancing technological capabilities, and bolstering defense strategies, particularly in areas like anti-aircraft defense, where Greece has historically lagged.
The plan focuses on eliminating non-essential military units, which are often symbolic and lack operational relevance, and redirecting resources toward improving the country’s technological edge, particularly in drone warfare and air defense systems.
The reorganization will see the closure and consolidation of military bases, including 132 out of the current 837, with plans for additional cuts in the future. The goal is to improve the readiness and efficiency of remaining units by reducing administrative overhead and increasing personnel concentration. This change is particularly relevant in Greece’s border regions, such as the islands and the Evros area, where military units will be strengthened to reach full capacity in times of peace, aiming for an overall 70% staffing level, compared to as low as 20-30% in some regions today.
Additionally, the restructuring emphasizes agility, with smaller, highly equipped and flexible units replacing larger formations that were once the hallmark of Greek military doctrine. These smaller units will be capable of rapid response, including combating new threats such as drones. The plan envisions a shift in how military operations will be conducted, with a greater emphasis on speed and precision rather than relying on large-scale, slow-moving forces. This model is expected to bolster Greece’s deterrent capabilities and ensure that the country can respond more quickly in times of crisis.
However, some critics, particularly from the opposition PASOK party, have expressed some reservations about the potential reduction in personnel, with questions about the impact of smaller units and possible cuts to the military’s human resources. Despite these concerns, the government remains committed to moving forward with the plan, which is expected to be formally approved by the Government Council for National Security (KYSEA), Greece’s top decision-making body for foreign affairs and defense matters.
