€1 Billion Defense Package Heads to Parliament: C-390s, Special Forces Subs and Drones on Fast Track

Athens pushes mature procurement programs forward as military modernization gains momentum amid broader defense planning discussions

A major €1 billion defense procurement package is set to enter parliamentary review, with the Ministry of National Defence moving to advance several programs considered operationally mature and ready for implementation.

The package, scheduled for discussion before Parliament’s Armaments Committee, includes new transport aircraft, special operations submersibles, surveillance drones and naval systems, marking another significant step in Greece’s ongoing military modernization effort.

C-390 Millennium Takes Center Stage

The largest portion of the package involves the planned acquisition of three C-390 Millennium jet transport aircraftfor the Hellenic Air Force.

Valued at approximately €600 million, the aircraft would significantly enhance strategic airlift capabilities, offering greater speed, payload capacity and operational flexibility for military and humanitarian missions.

Defense officials view the C-390 as one of the most capable modern transport platforms currently available, capable of supporting a wide range of operational requirements across the region.

VICTA Submersibles for Special Operations Forces

The proposal also includes the procurement of ten VICTA special operations submersibles, with an estimated value of €145 million.

Designed for covert maritime insertion missions, the British-developed systems can transport special forces personnel discreetly in contested environments, enhancing Greece’s capabilities in reconnaissance, infiltration and maritime special operations.

Military planners consider the platform particularly relevant for operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean environments.

Israeli Systems for Air and Naval Surveillance

The package further incorporates two Israeli defense programs valued at approximately €40 million.

These include:

• Heron unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for border and maritime surveillance missions.
• M660 HMS sonar systems intended for the Hellenic Navy’s MEKO-class frigates, strengthening anti-submarine warfare and underwater detection capabilities.

The additions reflect Greece’s continued emphasis on intelligence, surveillance and maritime domain awareness.

The Political and Strategic Backdrop

According to defense sources, the government is seeking to advance procurement programs that are already considered technically mature and operationally justified.

The objective is to maintain momentum in force modernization while avoiding delays that could arise from lengthy negotiations surrounding larger and more complex defense initiatives.

Officials argue that current regional security dynamics require steady investment in capabilities across all military branches.

The Shadow of the €3 Billion Air Defense Project

Behind the scenes, attention remains focused on a much larger proposed air-defense initiative reportedly worth around €3 billion, often referred to in public discussions as a Greek version of an integrated defensive “shield.”

Negotiations reportedly encountered difficulties over industrial participation and domestic defense-industry involvement, slowing progress on the broader project.

As a result, authorities appear to be prioritizing procurement programs that can move through approval channels more rapidly.

The Road to Final Approval

The parliamentary committee review represents only the first stage of the process.

The package must still pass through:

1. Government-level defense approval procedures.
2. Contract negotiations and drafting.
3. Additional parliamentary scrutiny.
4. Final authorization by the relevant national security decision-making bodies.

The complete approval cycle could take up to a year before contracts are finalized and implementation begins.

Defense Watch

If approved, the package would strengthen Greek capabilities in strategic airlift, special operations, maritime surveillance, naval warfare and border security, while reinforcing the broader modernization agenda that has reshaped the country’s defense posture over recent years.

The coming months are expected to reveal whether Athens can maintain the pace of procurement while balancing fiscal considerations, industrial participation demands and evolving regional security challenges.

Source: pagenews.gr