From 2026, all Greek conscripts will serve in the Army only, as Defence Minister Nikos Dendias outlines sweeping changes to streamline military structure, boost soldier pay, and modernise defence capabilities.

Greece is set to eliminate conscription into the Navy and Air Force from January 1, 2026, with all draftees to serve exclusively in the Army, as part of the second phase of the ambitious “Agenda 2030” military reform program announced by Defence Minister Nikos Dendias.

The announcement marks a significant shift in the structure and function of the Hellenic Armed Forces, with Dendias presenting a broad plan to enhance efficiency, reduce bureaucracy, and modernise Greece’s military capacity amid evolving regional threats and global warfare trends.

Key changes to conscription and pay

From 2026, conscripts will undergo a new unified training program within the Army. Only select individuals with specific skills—such as ship captains or aircraft engineers—will be considered for service in the Navy or Air Force.

Monthly pay for soldiers will rise dramatically—from €8.80 to €50, and up to €100 for those stationed in border regions and the Aegean islands. For instance, an unmarried soldier orphaned by one parent will now receive €150, while those with children may earn up to €200 monthly.

The total cost of the pay raise is estimated at over €25 million, which will be funded through savings generated by structural reforms, including military base consolidations.

Structural overhaul and cost savings

The reform introduces a flatter, more agile command structure. Four new regional commands will replace older formations, including the abolition of the 1st Army. Command layers are being streamlined, freeing up over 30,000 personnel hours monthly.

  • The new Supreme Military Commands are:
  • Thrace (formerly the 4th Army Corps)
  • Epirus and Macedonia
  • Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean
  • Supreme Support Command (ASDYS), retaining its current role

This reorganisation also involves merging 45 additional military camps (after 137 already merged) and reducing military courts from 15 to six, resulting in annual savings of €101.5 million.

“We’re eliminating outdated, bureaucratic structures,” Dendias stated, “and giving greater autonomy to frontline formations. The future battlefield demands real-time decision-making—there’s no time for approvals climbing a rigid hierarchy.”

Defence infrastructure and innovation

Responding to modern threats—especially lessons from the war in Ukraine—Greece will invest €65 million in 522 new fortification projects, with 207 on the mainland and 315 on Aegean islands, to be completed within three years.

Dendias also highlighted the continuing success of the “Achilles’ Shield” initiative, which aims to develop an integrated national defence system, including anti-missile, anti-drone, anti-ship, and anti-submarine capabilities.

Housing and welfare for armed forces

A robust housing program is also underway. While only 799 military homes were built over the past 20 years, the Ministry plans to construct 1,059 new residences by August 2026—mostly in Thrace and the Aegean islands—and a total of 2,059 by 2027.

Combined with salary increases and improved healthcare services, the goal is to make military careers more attractive to younger Greeks.

“We need the best men and women in our Armed Forces,” Dendias emphasised. “The threats we face are disproportionately larger than our population. We must match them with excellence.”

A new bill before parliament aims to consolidate three military pension and property funds into a single entity (TAETHA) and establish a new agency (FAAED) to manage and monetise military real estate.

Revenue will be reinvested into military housing and infrastructure maintenance. Dendias assured the public that transparency and accountability would be built into the legislation and welcomed proposals from opposition parties to enhance oversight.

A modern nutrition and logistics code for the military is being introduced, with quality control and auditing mechanisms led by the Army Inspector General.

“It’s unacceptable for soldiers serving their country to be left with inadequate meals,” Dendias said. “We’re ensuring their basic dignity is protected.”

Expanded Defence planning, NATO and third phase preview

The Defence Ministry has submitted, for the first time in Greek history, a long-term armaments plan extending 12–20 years, committing 25% of its budget to strengthen the domestic defence industry and innovation ecosystem.

Dendias also underscored the achievements of the Hellenic Defence Innovation Centre (ELKAK), with ten projects underway and eleven more set to launch. Flagship projects like the “Centaur” UAV are already in progress.

Following the dissolution of the 1st Army, its NATO and EU command functions will be transferred to the Army Inspector General, who will be based in Larissa and take on an enhanced oversight role.

Minister Dendias hinted at a third reform phase already in the works, signalling ongoing transformation across the Armed Forces in response to rapidly changing military technologies and geostrategic realities.