Athens expands defense capabilities, aims to produce 15,000 drones a year

Greece plans to increase military production to 15,000 drones a year as part of efforts to modernize its Armed Forces and adapt them to new forms of warfare. The goal was announced by Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dhendias during a visit to Ksanthi, in the region of Thrace, near the border with Turkey.

During an inspection of the military unit where unmanned aerial vehicles are produced, Dhendias said that the current capacity of the Greek military stands at around 5,000 drones a year. According to him, this figure will triple once the new 309 factory is completed. The facility is scheduled to be inaugurated in December, bringing annual production to 15,000 units. This calculation does not include the production activity of private companies in Greece’s defense industry.

Athens considers this development a significant turning point compared with the end of 2023. At that time, the Greek Armed Forces had only two HERON-category drones and 252 aircraft produced industrially, which were not considered highly competitive.

Dhendias stressed that the use of drones is no longer limited to surveillance and reconnaissance, as these systems can also be used in offensive operations. He added that, alongside their development, a defense system must also be established against drones that could be operated by a state posing a threat to Greece, without identifying any specific country.

According to the Greek defense minister, drones offer capabilities for reconnaissance and surveillance as well as offensive intervention, but this alone is not sufficient. Nikos Dhendias also emphasized the need to protect military personnel from similar systems that may be available to a country threatening Greece.

Alongside the expansion of drone production, the Greek military is building 522 new fortifications. They are scheduled to be completed by 2030.

The fact that these statements were made near the border with Turkey gives them particular significance, especially given the recent climate between Athens and Ankara. Just one day before the visit, Greece had handed the Turkish Foreign Ministry an official protest note concerning Ankara’s positions on the Aegean and the two marine parks declared by Turkey.

According to the Greek side, Turkey’s claims have no legal basis. Athens also argues that these parks cannot create legal consequences in areas that Greece considers part of its continental shelf.

Relations between the two countries have become further strained following a warning by Turkish President Rexhep Tayip Erdogan. He called on Greece to stop militarizing the Aegean islands and stated that Ankara “will do everything necessary” to defend what it considers its rights.