By Yannis Anifantis

The basic guidelines of the new structure of the Armed Forces for the period 2024 – 2035 were presented to the Parliament by the Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias, speaking of a new twenty-year armament program, which will include the closure of camps and the integration of new technologies into the army.

“We will increase our firepower. The Navy will not only defend the Aegean but will also make a projection of power”, emphasized the Minister, while referring to the upcoming changes in the military service, he pointed out: “The numbers lead to the need for the country to face a possible threat from nine or ten times the population”. Mr. Dendias said that immediately after the holidays a 20-year armament program will be submitted, emphasizing however that, like the country, the Armed Forces have budgetary limits.

Mr. Dendias made extensive reference to need to close camps in the country, characteristically saying that at this time we have more camps than the United States.

“This doesn’t make sense. We must move quickly to close 137 camps and by 2025 this will be over. I know what it means to be a district MP but every city and stadium cannot apply to the camps. We will remove over 30 formations. we will consolidate formations to increase firepower. Every unit of the Greek army will have an anti-drone capability. And the ability to broadcast drones” he said.

“We’re going to reform military justice, naval courts and air courts that don’t really serve any need. They have an average of 5 cases a year when in the civil courts a similar judge adjudicates 25 cases a day” added the Minister.