Greece Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in greece, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Defense
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Overview 

Greece continues to demonstrate a robust commitment to defense spending and modernization, solidifying its role as a key player in regional stability and a strong NATO ally. Greece’s defense budget exceeds NATO’s Wales Summit pledge of 2 percent of GDP. In 2024, Greece allocated €7.1 billion (approximately $7.6 billion) which accounts for 3.1 percent of its GDP. In 2025, Greece is expected to allocate €6.1 billion (approximately $6.5 billion) for its defense budget. There will be notable spending in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned autonomous vessels, drones, loitering munitions, fight jet modernization, space-based communication satellites, infrastructure, air defense, and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS). 

In spring 2025, the Greek Ministry of Defense announced a new comprehensive 12-year defense strategy, outlining an investment of €25 billion (approximately $29 billion USD as of July 2025). This plan focuses on four principal pillars: modernizing equipment for land, air, and sea forces; increasing operational efficiency through joint training; advanced exercises; and improving digital services.

Over the next decade, experts predict a continued growth in defense spending, aligning with the stronger long-term economic growth forecast for Greece. These capabilities are likely to focus on: Combat support (Fires & ground based aerial defense), Combat Service Support (Logistics & Sustainment), Maritime (Undersea 7 Amphibious), Counter Air (Offensive & Defensive), Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Cyber & Space. 

Key Procurement and Modernization Programs

The Greek Ministry of Defense is actively restructuring and upgrading the country’s armed forces. Several high-profile deals have materialized in recent years:

  • F-35 Fighter Jets: Greece is progressing with the acquisition of 20 F-35 aircraft with the U.S. government, valued at approximately €3.47 billion ($3.9 USD as of July 2025). The contract includes an option for 20 more fighters. The HAF must meet the conditions for site activation to take OCONUS delivery, 2030-2032. 
     
  • Rafale Fighter Aircraft: Greece has received all 24 Dassault Rafale fighter jets. The last aircraft was delivered on January 9, 2025, completing the ambitious procurement program. 
     
  • F-16 Upgrades: The major upgrade of Greece’s F-16 fighter jet fleet to the Viper (Block 70/72 similar configuration) is ongoing. The upgrade work is expected to be completed by 2027. Greece is the only European nation thus far to have opted for upgrading their existing fleet to the advanced F-16 Viper upgrade. 
     
  • Naval Modernization: Greece has publicly committed to purchasing 3 French Belharra frigates for approximately $3.5-4B and most likely a 4th.   The first ship (HS Kimon) is set to be delivered in summer 2025. Greece’s progress toward the CONSTELLATION (FFG62) co-production commenced June 24, 2025 with a planning case kickoff meeting. The meeting primarily focused on discussing the project’s timeline and deliverables. Discussions regarded the potential program for Greece, covering feasibility studies for non-standard requests, a comprehensive questionnaire for Greek shipyards, the critical role of Greek industrial participation (including co-development and warranty support), and updates on the US Navy’s FFG62 program, with a focus on sharing information with the Hellenic Navy.
     
  • In 2024, Greece purchased 35x UH-60M Blackhawks ($1.2 billion), and MH60R anti-submarine warfare helicopters, with three of those delivered in 2024 and the remaining four to be delivered in early 2026.  Greece is also modernizing four P3B maritime patrol aircraft through a mid-life upgrade and have an open sustainment case for their eleven S70 Aegean Hawk (Seahawk) helicopters.
     
  • Greece also plans to modernize four MEKO-class frigates and seven Roussen class fast attack craft (also called missile boats, Vosper, Super Vita based on design) and is exploring the construction of latest-generation submarines.
     
  • Army Modernization: Acquisition of US Switchblade loitering munitions.
     

U.S. – Greece Defense and Security Relationship

The U.S. - Greece defense and security relationship remains exceptionally strong. The U.S. - Greece Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA), updated in 2021, continues to bolster U.S. forces operating and expanding bilateral military activities in Greece. This enhanced MDCA aims to boost U.S. - Greek interoperability, support Greece’s contribution to regional stability, and increase NATO’s ability to protect its southeastern flank, facilitating the expansion of U.S. forces in Greece to support strategic regional objectives. In April 2025, Greece announced a commitment to spend at least €25 billion (around $29 million USD as of July 2025) on military equipment over the next 12 years, providing the potential for closer partnership with the United States and the U.S. defense industry.  

Greece benefits from Government-to-Government (G2G) military sales frameworks with the United States, allowing it to secure certain items through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or Excess Defense Agreements (EDA). Greece is actively prioritizing the development of its local defense industrial base and is requiring 25 percent local production for international procurements. Notable examples of this collaboration include the continued hosting of U.S. naval forces at Souda Bay and priority access granted to U.S. military forces at the Port of Alexandroupolis in northeastern Greece.

Opportunities

The Hellenic Armed Forces, comprising the Hellenic Army, Hellenic Navy, and Hellenic Air Force, overseen by the Ministry of National Defense, present numerous opportunities for U.S. firms. The General Directorate for Defense Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) is responsible for planning and implementing defense programs and procurement. Most opportunities for major material procurement will need to be pursued through G2G frameworks. For published tenders, interested parties should visit the GDDIA website.

A significant portion of Greece’s budget is directed towards ongoing modernization programs vital for maintaining stability in southeastern Europe. The Greek 12-year defense strategy presents significant opportunities for companies involved in the development, production, and integration of UAS, UUVs, and especially C-UAS technologies. The strong emphasis on domestic industry participation also suggests opportunities for partnerships, technology transfer, and investment within Greece. 

  • UAS: Increased demand for surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities, including MALE and HALE drones.
  • UUV: Growing interest in underwater surveillance, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine warfare to protect major energy sector and maritime endeavors.
  • C-UAS: Urgent need for systems to counter the proliferation of drones, especially in asymmetric warfare, natural disaster, and dual civil-use scenarios.
  • C-UUV: Development of counter-underwater systems to address the emerging threat of unmanned underwater vehicles to protect national and regional investments.

The Following are elements of several procurement programs:

Hellenic Air Force (HAF) Procurement program:
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
  • Spare parts and maintenance
  • Upgrade F-16 Block 50 to Viper configuration
  • Head Up Displays (HUD) Systems for the F-16 Viper aircraft
  • Advanced Electronic Warfare for the F-16 Viper aircraft  
  • Advanced munitions to support the F-35 and F-16 aircraft  
  • Tactical airlift to replace the current C-130 fleet—U.S. system under consideration is C-130J
  • Expanding Patriot program
Hellenic Navy (HN) Procurement program:
  • Upgrade and modernization of Maritime Aircraft and Surface Ship
  • Procurement of Naval Vessels (Surface Combatants)
  • \Electronic Warfare Systems
Hellenic Army (HA) Procurement program:
  • Hellenic National Vehicle Program
  • Hellenic Light Weapons
  • Unspecified antitank weapons
  • Upgrade of Apache aircraft
  • Upgrade or purchase of new Chinooks
  • Rotary Wing Maintenance, Support, and Sustainment
  • Investing opportunities for armaments & munitions components MRO
Hellenic Coast Guard (HCG) Procurement program:
  • Coast Guard Procurement of Mobile X-Ray Systems
  • HCG Vessels Tenders

Firms whose products must be sold through government frameworks should connect with the U.S. Department of Defense for guidance on the process: U.S. Department of State. For firms wishing to compete in tenders, a local partner is highly recommended to navigate the bureaucracy and meet eligibility requirements.

Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection - Aerial Firefighting Procurement (AEGIS Program)

The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, upgraded to a fully-fledged Ministry in September 2021, has secured €2.1 billion ($XXX) in funding for its AEGIS Program, focused on four pillars to combat climate challenges. While Greece prefers G2G frameworks for these procurements, the U.S. Government does not classify firefighting or climate change as falling under existing military procurement frameworks. Therefore, all procurements in this space are conducted as direct commercial deals moderated by the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (TAIPED). 

Some progress has been made, with the Ministry having recently ordered eight Airbus helicopters to combat wildfires, a contract signed in May 2025. This is the largest contract signed under the ‘Aegis’ National Program to date. Other contracts will also be signed by the end of 2025. U.S. firms offering disaster resilience solutions and technologies can compete in tenders, which will cover a range of solutions including ISR capabilities, aerial capabilities, and command-and-control centers. Interested parties should visit the Ministry of Climate Change website for more information.

Resources

U.S. firms interested in better understanding the market can visit the following industry associations:

  • Hellenic Aerospace Security & Defense Industries Group (HASDIG):
  • Hellenic Manufacturers of Defense Material Association (SEKPY):
  • Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation (ELKAK):

Upcoming events:

The next Athens Defense Show DEFEA will take place in May 18 – 20 2027, in Athens, Greece.

For more information, please contact Commercial Specialist Athina Kladis at Athina.Kladis@trade.gov.