An image from the ‘Aisios Oionos’ (Fortuitous Omen) tactical field exercise held earlier this month in the Evros border region. [InTime News]
Greece is close to finalizing the list of defense procurement programs it will submit for funding under the European SAFE regulation, which supports joint European rearmament and industrial cooperation. According to the information provided, the list consists of systems already included in Greece’s 12-year Medium-Term Defense Equipment Planning program and addresses “real and pressing needs.” Greece is expected to obtain loans of approximately 788 million euros through SAFE.
Among the most significant projects is the procurement of new general-purpose vehicles, including trucks and other wheeled platforms, which will replace an aging fleet with heavy workloads. These vehicles support not only traditional military missions but also the extensive duties assigned to the Hellenic Army in civil protection, where it serves as a regular backup for the state’s emergency mechanisms. The program is extensive and has already attracted considerable interest from Greek companies partnering with international firms, a key condition for participation in SAFE. The project falls in line with the European strategy to reinforce military mobility and has been a stated requirement of multiple defense leaderships over the past 10 to 15 years.
Funding through SAFE is also expected to advance the acquisition of the “modern fighter” equipment kit, which includes a helmet, long-duration backpack, ballistic goggles, night-vision devices, protective gear and additional components. The program largely involves Greek companies but is also drawing interest from Germany and Belgium. The report notes that Defense Minister Nikos Dendias recently visited Nicosia and met his Cypriot counterpart, Vasilis Palmas, to discuss, among other matters, cooperation within the SAFE framework.
Athens will also pursue SAFE funding, in cooperation with partners, for ground-launched anti-tank missiles for the Army, specifically TOW systems. The list includes the upgrade of 122mm rockets for RM-70 multiple launchers, signaling the intention to maintain some RM-70 batteries even as procurement of new launchers such as the Israeli PULS are moving ahead.
Additionally, the SAFE list identifies the general requirement for new unmanned systems in air and maritime domains. Greece and Ukraine recently agreed to begin discussions on co-production of unmanned surface vessels on Greek soil, with possible expansion into unmanned underwater systems. Domestic development is already under way. Other consortiums have formed to pursue high-technology fields including cyberwarfare and electromagnetic-spectrum operations, along with new advanced communication radios.
