Mitsotakis: Greek Military Undergoes Most Ambitious Reform in Modern Times

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday described the Greek Armed Forces as undergoing “the most daring transformation since the founding of the modern Greek state,” during an event marking the integration of the V-BAT unmanned aircraft system into the Supreme Military Command of the Interior and Islands (ASDEN).

Speaking at the event, Mitsotakis highlighted the strategic leap the new technology represents. “The system presented today has impressive operational capabilities. Watching the demonstration, one might think they are seeing a scene from science fiction. Yet, this is the reality of modern warfare,” he said. He emphasised that Greece must embrace these technological advances, particularly in aerial surveillance and target tracking, as essential tools for national defense according to greek city times

Mitsotakis underlined the importance of flexible procurement through private donations, allowing the Armed Forces to field-test cutting-edge systems and then decide whether to adopt them more broadly. “This is the value of such donations—they allow us to experiment rapidly and decide strategically,” he noted.

Referring to the broader modernisation plan known as “Agenda 2030,” Mitsotakis described it as not just a defense procurement initiative, but a comprehensive rethinking of military doctrine and operations. “It’s about cultivating a new mindset—about how we fight, how we adapt to shifting theatres of operation, and how we integrate advanced technology into our strategic planning,” he stated.

He also acknowledged philanthropist Panos Laskaridis for his long-standing support of the Armed Forces, particularly the Hellenic Navy, and praised the work being done at the Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation (HCDI). The HCDI, he said, fosters collaboration between the military and Greek start-ups, tapping into the country’s intellectual capital for defense innovation.

The newly integrated V-BAT drones offer advanced capabilities, including high operational flexibility, extended autonomy, and resilience in adverse weather and electronic interference environments—all at low operating costs.

National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias also addressed the event, noting that HCDI has already initiated four development programs for unmanned aerial systems, with two more scheduled by year’s end. These efforts, he said, are part of a broader doctrinal shift within the military.

“We are a small country, but that does not mean we cannot be strong,” Dendias concluded. “There are historic examples of nations that, despite their size, became both powerful and successful. With this transformation, Greece is following that path.”

The integration of the V-BAT drones marks a visible step forward in the modernisation of Greece’s defense capabilities, underscoring the government’s commitment to future-proofing its Armed Forces through innovation, partnerships, and strategic vision.

Source: pagenews.gr