Dendias Sends Strong Defense Message: “Greece Has Nothing to Envy in Drone Warfare”

Greek Defense Minister outlines ambitious military modernization strategy at New Democracy conference

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias delivered a strong message on military modernization, technological superiority and national defense strategy during his speech at the pre-congress conference of New Democracy in Thessaloniki.

Using the recent discovery of a marine drone near Lefkada as a starting point, Dendias emphasized that Greece is fully aware of emerging military technologies and is already developing advanced domestic capabilities in drone and anti-drone systems.

“We know what it is and we know roughly what it contains. We have nothing to envy,” Dendias stated, signaling confidence in Greece’s growing technological and defense infrastructure.

The Defense Minister stressed that the government’s strategy goes beyond purchasing military equipment from abroad. Instead, he argued, Greece aims to develop the ability to produce sophisticated drone technologies domestically for the Hellenic Armed Forces and especially the Navy.

“We are creating the capabilities so that our homeland can produce and equip the Navy with the most advanced drone and anti-drone systems available today,” he declared.

The remarks are part of the broader “Agenda 2030” defense reform plan promoted by the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis — a long-term strategy aimed at transforming the Greek Armed Forces into what officials describe as the strongest military structure in modern Greek history.

Dendias argued that warfare is rapidly evolving due to artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and drone technologies, making military adaptation essential.

“Everything is changing, and we must change everything except the principles and values of Hellenism and the Armed Forces,” he said.

Particular attention was drawn to Dendias’ reference to his recent visit to Portugal, where he visited what he described as the European Union’s most advanced maritime drone center.

“I was in Portugal, which has the EU’s most advanced maritime drone center, so that whatever the most modern technology is, we can have it as well,” he explained, highlighting Greece’s intention to remain aligned with cutting-edge European defense developments.

Beyond the technological aspect, the speech also carried a clear political message. Dendias linked defense modernization directly to political stability and national strength, arguing that New Democracy is the only political force capable of guaranteeing security in an increasingly unstable international environment.

Referring indirectly to the upcoming political battles ahead, he asked:

“Which political force, which leadership and which prime minister can deliver a strong Greece at the next elections?”

He immediately answered his own question:

“The party is called New Democracy, and the prime minister standing before you is Kyriakos Mitsotakis.”

The overall tone of the speech reflected the government’s effort to present Greece as a country entering a new era of military and technological capability — one that is no longer relying solely on conventional weapons systems, but actively investing in the future of warfare.

Through this strategy, the government seeks to portray national defense not merely as an issue of military procurement, but as a pillar of national confidence, geopolitical influence and long-term strategic independence.

Source: pagenews.gr