Nikos Dendias – Agenda 2030: Defense as a Lever of Growth and National Renewal

Greece’s defense industry is entering a new phase of redefinition.During the General Council meeting of SEV (Hellenic Federation of Enterprises), attended by Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias, the message was clear: the country needs a long-term national strategy, based on synergy between state and industry, to build a modern, self-reliant, and innovative defense ecosystem.

Agenda 2030 – A New Philosophy of Power

Minister Nikos Dendias unveiled the “Agenda 2030”, describing it as the largest reform of the Armed Forces in modern Greek history.Its philosophy is straightforward: military strength must be linked to industrial and technological capacity.

“Defense cannot be detached from national production and technological progress,” Dendias emphasized. After a decade of stagnation, the ministry aims to introduce a 12+8 year long-term defense investment program, providing stability, predictability, and strategic planning.

The new approach focuses not on spending, but on investment with multiplier effects — investments that strengthen national security, drive industrial growth, and foster technological innovation.

Innovation on the Front Line

At the heart of this new approach are the Innovation Directorate of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (GEETHA) and the Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation (ELKAK).These institutions act as bridges between the military and private sector, allowing the Armed Forces to pose questions instead of requesting ready-made products.

This marks a complete reversal of logic:the state no longer merely buys technology — it asks Greek industry to develop it. Through this shift, Greek companies — from startups to established manufacturers — gain access to defense innovation, develop exportable solutions, and build valuable technological expertise.

The Voice of Industry – Realism and Ambition

SEV President Spiros Theodoropoulos stressed that the Greek industrial sector is ready to take an active role, provided there is a stable institutional framework, access to financing, and participation in European programs.

“The tectonic shifts in defense cannot leave our country untouched,” he noted, calling for active involvement in EU and NATO R&D programs.SEV envisions the defense sector as a new growth pillar, one capable of elevating Greece’s position in the European industrial landscape.

Defense as a Driver of Economic Growth

The Ministry of Defense has set an ambitious target:at least 25% Greek industrial participation in all defense procurement programs. This reflects a shift toward a self-reliant, collaborative model in which every euro invested generates economic and technological returns.

As Dendias stated, “Defense spending, when properly planned, is not a burden — it is an investment that produces growth, jobs, and knowledge.”

This strategy aligns Greece with countries such as France, Israel, and South Korea, where defense industries act as engines of innovation and strategic independence.

The Great Challenge: Consistency and Continuity

The success of this transformation depends on three pillars:

1. A stable legal and policy framework ensuring long-term predictability.
2. Strong links between defense, universities, and research centers, to keep innovation within Greece.
3. Active participation in European initiatives, such as the European Defence Fund (EDF), for funding and joint projects.

In today’s volatile geopolitical environment — with war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and the push for European strategic autonomy — investment in defense is not a choice but a necessity.

From Defense of Necessity to Defense of Value

Dendias’ initiative seeks to move Greece from being a passive consumer of foreign defense systems to an active producer of technology and innovation.If implemented effectively, it could establish a new industrial paradigm — one in which security, innovation, and economy operate hand in hand.

However, the challenges are considerable:bureaucracy, fragmented policy continuity, and weak coordination could easily derail the effort.The outcome will depend not on rhetoric, but on execution.

The “Agenda 2030” is not just another procurement plan — it is a statement of national confidence. It signals Greece’s determination to stand on its own feet, producing both security and value.

If successful, it could mark the rebirth of the Greek defense industry, transforming it into a producer of technology, knowledge, and strategic capability on the European and global stage.

Source: pagenews.gr