Greece Defense Sector
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 -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 $5.7 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) http://www.hasdig.com.gr , Hellenic Manufacturers of Defense Material Association (SEKPY) http://www.sekpy.gr , EFA Ventures Group www.efagroup.eu).
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 state 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 website at https://www.gdaee.mil.gr/en/.
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 at https://www.haf.gr/en/
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 at https://www.hellenicnavy.gr/en/home
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://army.gr/en/front-page-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 at https://www.hcg.gr/en/
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 following site for more information (https://www.state.gov/u-s-arms-sales-and-defense-trade).
Firms wishing to compete in tenders will need a local partner to navigate the bureaucracy and meet eligibility requirements.
Firms interested in this space can reach out to Industry Specialist, Athina Kladis at email: athina.kladis@trade.gov for further information.