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Greece announces 'drastic' defense overhaul

Elizabeth Schumacher with AFP, Reuters
April 2, 2025

Although the country already spends 3% of its GDP on the military, it plans to spend a further €25 billion to modernize. The move comes as Greece emerges from more than a decade of austerity.

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Greek fighter jets fly over the acropolis
Greece has long spent more on defense than other EU countries due to concerns over former colonial ruler TurkeyImage: Thanassis Stavrakis/AP/picture alliance

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Wednesday that the government will spend some €25 billion euros ($27 billion) on its military through 2036.

Mitotakis on defense boost: 'The world is changing'

Mitsotakis called it the "most drastic" defense "transformation" in Greece's modern history. Some of the new equipment will include anti-aircraft defense, drones, and satellites.

"The world is changing at an unforeseeable pace," he said.

The announcement came amid US pressure for NATO allies to spend more on defense, and part of a push to modernize outdated infrastructure and equipment that languished under austerity during the country's 2008-2017 financial crisis.

How will Europe pay for increases in defense spending?

Greece ramping up spending amid Trump pressure

Although Greece already spends 3% of its GDP on defense, in line with NATO rules, US President Donald Trump has become increasingly impatient with allies who do not prioritize their militaries. 

As Trump was poised to announce sweeping tariffs later on Wednesday, Mitsotakis warned that they could majorly destabilize the world economy.

Edited by: Wesley Dockery

Elizabeth Schumacher Elizabeth Schumacher reports on gender equity, immigration, poverty and education in Germany.