Greek defense minister Nikos Dendias touched upon several pressing issues linked to the country’s military during a panel discussion on the second day of the inForum in an event themed “The revival of the defense industry, innovation, new high-level job opportunities, and the Armed Forces of a new era” at the Parliament’s library.
Dendias stated the defense industry had renewed its focus and was at the forefront of current developments, signaling a strategic shift toward modernizing national defense capabilities.
The need to foster technological advancement and create specialized employment, aligning the military and industry with the demands of the 21st century, was the main goal of the latest rearmament program.
Among other topics, the Greek minister revealed that a new detailed piece of legislation regarding military personnel pay was in the pipeline, stressing that despite the recent wage raises, additional wage increases were needed.
Commenting on a recent wave of voluntary resignations in the armed forces, Dendias pointed out that under the new plan, the government had managed to achieve substantial cost savings and reallocate that money to army officers in the form of wage rises.
He stated preparations were underway for a comprehensive legislative framework on military service, which will encompass conscription, the reserve forces, and the National Guard. The plan is expected to be presented within the next one and a half to two months.
“This concerns a completely different kind of military service,” it was noted. “We’re not talking about idling around but about a service period that serves as a window of knowledge and training. In nine months, a Greek citizen can be transformed into a modern, combat-ready individual. I hope we will succeed—it requires support from the political system as well.”
Regarding the merging of military camps, the Greek defense minister acknowledged potential local opposition but stressed that such reforms must be backed both by society at large and the political establishment. “We must move toward something new, and this is part of the 2030 agenda. No single person or government can do this alone.”
When asked whether the requirement for 25% national participation in the planning and procurement of any weapons system or defense program chosen by Greece would give a boost to the domestic industry, Dendias answered affirmatively.
