On Friday, 12 January 2024, the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, made a statement regarding the selection of the new leadership of the Armed Forces by the Governmental Council of National Security:

“The selection of the new leadership of the Armed Forces signifies the new approach of the Government on the matter of National Security.

The Armed Forces National Strategy 2030.

A Modern Defence Doctrine.

The new leadership is called upon to serve this change.

The aim of this change, which begins today, is the multi-faceted modernisation of the Armed Forces through the adaptation to modern conditions and needs.

A national attempt for the effective shielding of our country against all kinds of threats, both conventional and hybrid.

The change is based on 3 pillars.

The first pillar is the complete reform of the Structure and Function of the Armed Forces.

The goal is to create a structure characterised by modern organisation, flexibility, and operational effectiveness which will respond to modern requirements and the actual capabilities of our country.

This will range from the reshaping of Formations/Units and the formation of dual role/use Units for Defence and Civil Protection to the rationalisation of the decision making process.

The second pillar has to do with the weapon systems of the Armed Forces.

This will happen through the update of the armaments programme, which will take into account the lessons from Ukraine, Caucasus, and the Middle East, as well as technological developments and fiscal capabilities.

We need to focus on technologically advanced solutions, which are effective and have a better cost-benefit ratio. At the same time, the development of new domestic assets is required. The country has the necessary human resources for that. It must utilise it.

A new innovation ecosystem is being created through the Hellenic Defence Research and Innovation Development Centre, which is about to be founded. It will fund the production of the assets needed and specified by the Armed Forces, enhancing, at the same time, the Greek defence industry and the country’s economy.

Needless to say, modern Armed Forces require an effective maintenance mechanism for the assets which are already in use.

Through a new function model of the Defence Industry. Starting with the changes already made in the Hellenic Aerospace Industry and those that will follow in the Hellenic Defence Systems. Through the creation of a healthy cooperation basis with the Hellenic Shipbuilding Industry.

The third pillar is the personnel of the Armed Forces.

Through the forthcoming upgrade of the training of Officers, the redesign of their career paths, and the expansion of the already important role of NCOs. .

An obvious requirement of the third pillar is the improvement of the living conditions of Armed Forces personnel.

Our priority is to meet the housing needs of our servicemembers, for which we will be soon launching the first phase of a large scale housing programme, as well as improve healthcare.

The changes in the way that human resources are utilised include a revision to the role of enlisted soldiers. The transition from a service perceived as useless to a service that will build a strong reserve and provide opportunities.

The improvement of the training based on the Finnish model, with the necessary adaptations, with the option of re-training on a regular and voluntary basis, but also the potential to acquire new skills for those that choose to.

The new leadership is called to implement these national priorities.

A new doctrine that turns a new leaf and leads to the Armed Forces of 2030. An absolutely necessary change. Completely outside the box.

A change that will enhance our deterrent capabilities against all threats and enhance our role in the broader region.

On behalf of the Government, I would like to thank the outgoing Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Konstantinos Floros, for his contribution to the Armed Forces, as well as the Chiefs of Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Lieutenant General (HAF) Themistoklis Bourolias, Hellenic Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Angelos Choudeloudis, and Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Ioannis Drymousis.

Certain that the new leadership will fulfill its duties, I would like to wish the new Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, and the new Chiefs of Hellenic Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras, and Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Lieutenant General (HAF) Dimosthenis Grigoriadis, all the best in their work.