What's happened
Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a comprehensive defense strategy, including the 'Shield of Achilles' system, aimed at modernizing military capabilities amid rising tensions with Turkey. This initiative reflects a shift towards advanced technologies and increased defense spending, aligning with broader European security efforts.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Shift in Defense
- Technological Integration: Greece's new defense strategy emphasizes advanced technologies, including AI-powered missile systems and drone capabilities, moving away from traditional military approaches.
- Regional Tensions: The focus on modernizing defense is largely driven by ongoing disputes with Turkey over territorial boundaries in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean.
- European Collaboration: Mitsotakis advocates for a collective European defense fund, suggesting that shared resources could enhance security across the continent.
- Economic Considerations: With Greece's defense spending projected at 3% of GDP, significantly above the European average, the government is prioritizing quality over quantity in military assets, seeking sophisticated systems that can counter regional threats.
- Local Industry Involvement: The strategy includes greater participation from local tech startups, aiming to bolster the domestic defense industry and create jobs while enhancing military capabilities.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, Prime Minister Mitsotakis described the new defense initiative as the 'most drastic transformation in the history of the country’s armed forces,' highlighting the need for a multi-layered defense system. The Independent reported that Defense Minister Nikos Dendias emphasized a complete shift in Greece's defense doctrine, focusing on high-tech solutions to address existential threats from Turkey. Politico noted that the strategy aims to integrate advanced technologies while involving the Greek defense industry in arms programs, reflecting a broader trend of increased military spending in Europe due to geopolitical tensions.
How we got here
Greece's defense strategy has evolved due to historical tensions with Turkey and recent geopolitical shifts, including the war in Ukraine. The country has faced years of austerity that impacted its military budget, prompting a need for modernization and strategic partnerships, particularly with France and Israel.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this defense overhaul?
- How does this affect Greece's relationship with Turkey?
- What technologies are being integrated into the military?
Common question
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What is Greece's New Defense Strategy and the 'Shield of Achilles' System?
Greece has recently unveiled a significant overhaul of its defense strategy, spearheaded by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This initiative, known as the 'Shield of Achilles,' aims to modernize Greece's military capabilities in response to rising tensions with Turkey and broader European security concerns. As Greece shifts towards advanced technologies and increased defense spending, many questions arise about the implications of this strategy and its impact on regional stability.
More on these topics
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Greece, officially the Hellenic Republic, known also as Hellas, is a country located in Southeast Europe. Its population is approximately 10.7 million as of 2018; Athens, the nation's capital, is its largest city, followed by Thessaloniki.
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Kyriakos Mitsotakis is a Greek politician that is serving as Prime Minister of Greece since 8 July 2019. A member of New Democracy, he has been its president since 2016.
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Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeastern Europe.