Greece ramps up arms race with $27B military investment
Diplomatic relations between Greece and Turkey have been tense for years, with both countries heavily arming themselves. They are already leading in Europe regarding the number of tanks they possess. Recently, they've begun investing in aviation and naval ships. According to Reuters, Greek authorities plan to spend over $27 billion on armament purchases by 2036.
Public data shows that the Turkish army has approximately 2,500 tanks. In contrast, Greece has about 1,300 tanks, but their smaller number is compensated by the fact that many are more modern models—such as the Leopard 2A4/GR and Leopard 2A6 HEL. While content with their armored forces, Athens is now focusing on acquiring other equipment.
Greece's large defense expenditures
Preliminary agreements, cited by three Greek government representatives, indicate that a plan has already been developed for the main directions of armament for the Greek army. In the coming years, the focus will be on new submarines, satellites, drones, and fighter jets. Interestingly, Turkey's plans to purchase modern Meteor missiles and possibly Typhoon fighters have not pleased Greece at all.
Although Greece received the last of 24 French Rafale fighter jets in January of this year, it does not intend to stop there. Its combat air force will also be bolstered with F-35A fighters, with an agreement already made with the United States for 20 units. Part of the aforementioned $27 billion is allocated for this purpose.
Additionally, Greek authorities plan to modernize their existing F-16 fighters to the Viper variant, similar to what is happening with the Polish F-16s.
Main directions of Greek armament in the coming years
The preliminary plan for the main directions of Greek army armament is expected to be presented in the local parliament in the coming weeks. According to Reuters, it will cover four new submarines, satellites, elements for developing air defense systems, modernization of MEKO 200 frigates, and the purchase of various types of drones—flying, maritime, and underwater.
The interest in drones can be partly attributed to lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, evident in the actions of many countries, including major military powers. Drones similar in certain aspects to those used in Ukraine will be introduced into service by Turkey in the coming months. These include ULAQ KAMA and ULAQ 12 ASuW drones.
Greece currently allocates about 3% of its GDP to defense, which is one of the highest figures among NATO countries. In 2022, the German newspaper "Die Welt" described the tensions between Athens and Ankara as a "cold war in the Aegean Sea."
