Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias has announced a sweeping roadmap to modernise the country’s Armed Forces, introducing reforms to military service, personnel careers, and training.
Dendias said the changes aim “to create a new army,” with stricter rules for buying out of service and a focus on advanced technology training, including drones and anti-drone systems.
“The reforms may carry a political cost, but they are necessary and will move forward,” he stressed.
Key measures include optional enlistment for women, higher allowances for conscripts at the border, and a new training model comprising 10 weeks of basic training, 4 weeks of specialised training, and 12 weeks in readiness units.
A new salary system will replace the current 85 tiers with 20, tying pay to responsibilities rather than rank.
Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) will see significant raises and new promotion pathways, while Colonels and Frigate Commanders will receive increases of 156% and 52% respectively. Housing, daycare, and family benefits will also be expanded.
Education reforms include the creation of a Military Education Directorate, upgraded academies with certified programs, and NCO schools elevated to higher education institutions.
Reserve forces will be bolstered with a 150,000-strong active reserve, two new commando units in Rentina and Aspropyrgos, and annual call-ups of 50,000 reservists over three years.
Dendias also confirmed that weapons programs are accelerating, with Greece’s first F-35 jets expected by 2028 to boost operational readiness.
