The decisions were endorsed by the Special Standing Committee on Armament Programmes and Contracts of the Hellenic Parliament. The measures form part of the long-term military modernisation strategy known as the “Agenda 2030” programme.
Lawmakers approved the acquisition of a layered missile and counter-drone defence system valued at about €3 billion, as well as the upgrade of 38 F-16 fighter aircraft. Combined, the initiatives are expected to cost roughly €4 billion to €4.7 billion.
Athens has been discussing the proposed air defence system with Israel, which is expected to supply a large share of the missile technology involved. The project has been referred to as the “Achilles Shield”.
According to people familiar with the meeting, the committee approved both the air defence initiative and the aircraft modernisation plan during a closed session. The programmes will be submitted next week to Greece’s top national security decision-making body, the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA), for final approval.
The aircraft portion of the programme involves upgrading 38 older F-16 Block 50 fighter jets from the 1990s to the more advanced “Viper” configuration. The modernisation effort is estimated to cost around €1 billion.
Greece currently operates around 150 F-16 aircraft and has already upgraded about 40 jets under a broader modernisation programme. The new upgrades will further align the fleet with NATO operational standards and extend the service life of the aircraft.
The parliamentary committee also approved several additional defence programmes within the Agenda 2030 framework. These include the modernisation of the Greek Navy’s four MEKO-class frigates, infrastructure upgrades at Andravida air base in preparation for the future introduction of F-35 fighter aircraft, and continued support for C-27J military transport aircraft.
Other approved initiatives include the procurement of 120 mm training ammunition for Leopard 2 main battle tanks and an interstate agreement with the United States Air Force to support aircraft and related defence systems. Lawmakers also endorsed contracts covering the upgrade of the main and electronic systems of the MEKO frigates as well as the activation and integration of their combat systems.
The programmes were approved by majority vote after a lengthy committee session marked by criticism from opposition parties. According to reports from the closed-door meeting, opposition lawmakers raised concerns about the use of direct procurement procedures rather than competitive tenders and about the overall cost of the programme.
Opposition parties also expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, who was reportedly in London for bilateral meetings with counterparts. Several parties abstained or voted differently on specific elements of the programme, while the ruling New Democracy party supported the initiatives.
