Overview

The financial crisis restricted the Greek Government from expenditure in defense, limiting its ability for new big-ticket purchases. However, things began to change in 2020. The Government first encouraged the privatization of bankrupt state-owned enterprises, forming partnerships with foreign investors to encourage modernization and global standards of management. The Government then announced a major defense program with a budget of $6.7 billion across all services. This justified a series of procurements including frigates and fighter jets. In response to geopolitical tensions, Greece formed partnerships with neighbors including Egypt and Israel, and signed an update to the U.S.-Greece Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA).

Greece benefits from Government-to-Government military sales frameworks with the United States, which allows it to secure certain items though Foreign Military Sales or Excess Defense Agreements. While larger items will likely come through such routes, the Greek Government is prioritizing developing local industry and seeks to increase local production with strong international partnerships. U.S. firms interested in better understanding the local market can refer to the websites of industry associations (Hellenic Aerospace Security & Defense Industries Group (HASDIG) at http://www.hasdig.com.gr/, Hellenic Manufacturers of Defense Material Association (SEKPY) at http://www.sekpy.gr/, and EFA Ventures Group.

The latest value from 2020 is $5.3 billion. (Graphic: the GlobalEconomy.com) 

Opportunities

The Hellenic Armed Forces are the combined ground, naval, and air forces of Greece. They consist of the Hellenic Army, the Hellenic Navy, and the Hellenic Air Force. The civilian authority overseeing the Hellenic Armed Forces is the Ministry of National Defense. The General Directorate for Defense Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) is responsible for the planning and implementation of decisions on matters of Defense Programs and Contracts Procurement of major or other material Armament Programs, Contracts Offset (offsets), Quality Assurance and Investment Defense and Technological Research. Most of the opportunities at the Hellenic Ministry of Defense will need to be pursued through G2G frameworks based on what is being sold. For published tenders and procurements, please also visit the GDDIA website.

Hellenic Air Force (HAF)

Procurement program includes:

• Fighter Jets for the Hellenic Air Force
• Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Upgrade program of F-16
• Spare parts and maintenance

For more information, visit HAF’s website.

Hellenic Navy (HN)

Procurement program includes:

• Upgrade and modernization
• 4 new frigates
• Naval Vessels
• Refurbishment of MEKO frigates
• Romeo Naval helicopters

For more information, visit HN’s website.

Hellenic Army (HA)

Procurement program includes:

• Hellenic National Vehicle Program
• Hellenic Light Weapons
• Unspecified antitank weapons

For more information, visit HA’s website at http://www.army.gr/en/

Hellenic Coast Guard (HCG)

Procurement program includes:

• Coast Guard Procurement of Mobile X-Ray Systems
• Surveillance Cameras, Displays, and Radars for the Hellenic Coast Guard
• HCG Vessels Tenders
• National Integrated Maritime Surveillance (NIMSS)
• Vessel Traffic Monitoring System (VTMS)

For more information, visit HCG’s website.

Firms that make products that must be sold through government frameworks should connect with the U.S. Department of Defense in the United States for guidance on the process. Should the Greek side officially express interest in one’s product/solution, there would be involvement from Athens. Entities may visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information. Firms wishing to compete in tenders will need a local partner to navigate the bureaucracy and meet eligibility requirements.

Ministry of Climate Change & Civil Protection - Aerial Firefighting procurement

In September 2021, the Greek Prime Minister upgraded the Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection to a fully-fledged Ministry and appointed a new Minister. The Ministry was designated to combat all types of climate challenges, and secured funding to make several big-ticket purchases under its AEGIS Program.

AEGIS has 1.76 billion Euro ($1.98) of funding focused on 4 pillars. While the Greek side would prefer to make procurements in this space under a government-to-government framework, the U.S. Government does not classify firefighting or climate change as a space that can utilize existing procurement frameworks. Therefore, all procurements in this space will need to be direct commercial deals.

U.S. firms that offer innovative solutions and technologies in this space can compete in future tenders that will be released. The program covers a range of solutions including ISR capabilities, aerial capabilities, and a command-and-control center. The Ministry is currently focusing on finalizing procurement for its first tranche of aerial solutions. Please visit the Ministry of Climate website for more information.

Firms interested in this space can reach out to Industry Specialist Athina Kladis at email: athina.kladis@trade.gov for further information.

Resources

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