The Greek Defense Ministry plans to merge or eliminate dozens of military units and installations while establishing new commands for drones, space operations and cyberwarfare, under a restructuring that officials estimate will save €530 million over five years. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias presented the third phase of the armed forces’ new organizational structure on Tuesday, announcing the immediate merger or closure of 56 military units and 126 facilities and bases.
The plan combines a reduction in existing military infrastructure with the creation of new formations specializing in unmanned systems, satellite communications and electronic warfare. According to the ministry, the changes are intended to adapt the armed forces to the requirements of modern military operations.
The ministry estimates that the restructuring will generate savings of €360 million in the army, €120 million in the navy and €50 million in the air force over the next five years. It intends to direct the savings toward military personnel and operational capabilities.
Officials also estimate that an additional €600 million could be generated by making use of military equipment with limited or reduced operational capabilities.
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New Drone Units Across the Armed Forces
Among the changes announced Tuesday is the establishment of a dedicated unmanned systems brigade in the Greek army, headquartered in Litochoro, in northern Greece. A separate unit operating unmanned ground vehicles will be responsible for logistics, transportation and medical support.
The navy will establish bases for unmanned and autonomous maritime systems, along with an electronic warfare command and a training center specializing in unmanned maritime operations.
The air force will also develop bases for unmanned aerial vehicles and collaborative aircraft.
A joint military drone training center is expected to open in the coming months, while plans also include a new air operations management center and a joint manufacturing facilit in Malakasa, Attica, known as the 309th Drone Manufacturing Plant.
Space Operations and Cybersecurity
The ministry’s plans also include establishing a distinct space operations command within the air force, alongside the development of satellite capabilities for communications, surveillance and intelligence gathering.
The proposed satellite network includes one geostationary communications satellite, three additional communications satellites, six optical observation satellites, three electronic signals intelligence satellites and three satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR).
According to the ministry’s presentation, 16 dual-use optical satellites in low Earth orbit already exist. The plans also include making use of IRIS², the European Union’s secure satellite communications program.
A new cyber command and computer school are also planned as part of the restructuring.
Changes to Military Hospitals and Working Conditions
The restructuring also includes changes to military health services and personnel arrangements.
At the 401 General Military Hospital in Athens, the ministry plans to establish a joint military trauma unit in cooperation with Harvard. Dendias is scheduled to travel to Boston on Tuesday for discussions related to his ministerial responsibilities.
Plans also include establishing a branch in Lebanon, intended to support the country while providing military medical personnel with training under wartime conditions.
Other planned changes include converting the 424 General Military Hospital to a joint services operation and establishing a military rehabilitation center in Penteli, northeast of Athens.
The ministry also announced plans to limit navy personnel to 200 days at sea. When operational requirements make it necessary to exceed that limit, personnel would receive compensation substantially higher than currently provided.
The ministry cited the smaller crew requirements of newer weapons systems as another factor in its plans. FDI frigates, for example, require crews of 125, compared with approximately 200 aboard older S-class frigates. Newer PULS rocket artillery and SPIKE missile systems also require fewer personnel than older comparable systems.
New Defense Procurement Rules for the Military
Alongside the organizational changes, Dendias announced plans for legislation covering defense procurement and the ministry’s administrative structure. The proposed bill will first be presented to the Cabinet before being submitted to Parliament.
Among its provisions is the introduction of government-to-government defense contracts and the restructuring of the ministry’s directorates responsible for defense procurement, investment and financial planning.
The legislation would also establish a minimum 25% domestic participation requirement in defense procurement programs, with the stated aim of increasing the involvement of Greek defense companies in military contracts.
Additional measures include reorganizing the military’s financial administration, provisions concerning the active reserve and the establishment of a special missions company.