Mandatory participation by the Greek defense industry at a rate of at least 25% in every defense procurement program is now a strategic choice by the government to strengthen domestic production and the country’s defense self-sufficiency, stated Deputy Minister of National Defense Thanasis Davakis during the Athens Defense Conference, organized by the Delphi Economic Forum in collaboration with the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP).
Mr. Davakis argued that international security is at a critical juncture and that modern deterrence does not depend exclusively on the size of a country’s armed forces, but on its overall readiness. “Deterrence now concerns an entire ecosystem of readiness,” he said, presenting three key pillars upon which the national strategy must be built.
The first pillar is resilience and endurance. As he emphasized, “modern deterrence begins in the rear”; it relies on technology, strong supply chains, and a country’s ability to withstand protracted crises. Referring to the war in Ukraine, he noted that it has highlighted a new form of warfare and demonstrated that “deterrence is not measured solely by the size of the military, but by a country’s strategic ability to withstand prolonged pressure.”
The second pillar, according to him, is the synchronization of all operational capabilities. “Modern operations require synchronization across all domains, while electronic warfare is now an absolute necessity. True deterrence lies in absolute synchronization,” he emphasized.
He identified the long-term economic sustainability of defense as the third pillar. In this context, he emphasized that the Greek defense industry is institutionally required to participate with a share of at least 25% in every procurement and defense program. “This constitutes a strategic investment in national capabilities and in the development of a stronger productive ecosystem,” he said, while also highlighting the role of the Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation (ELKAK) as a catalyst for linking research with the defense industry.
He emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation, noting that modern deterrence requires “less fragmentation and more cohesion.” He referred to his contacts with Saudi Arabia, as well as to the collaborations Greece is developing with European countries—such as the co-production of microsatellites with Poland—arguing that these initiatives translate strategy into tangible results.
“Deterrence is the art of ensuring that a conflict will never occur. It requires resilience, the integration of multiple capabilities, and economic foresight,” he concluded.
For her part, ELIAMEP Director General Elena Lazarou described the Athens Defense Conference as the starting point for a broader effort at cooperation among the government, the academic community, the business sector, and research institutions. As she noted, security requires a holistic approach and a shared vision, with the goal of building resilient societies and a more peaceful world.
She emphasized that deterrence and defense require investment, research, and technological innovation, while also presenting the new Defense Research Hub established by ELIAMEP. As she noted, technology is now the common denominator that links all sectors of defense and strengthens the competitiveness of the European economy.