Armed forces: mergers and closures planned for 56 units and 126 structures
Nikos Dendias presented phase three of the new force structure, including unmanned-system units and ministry-estimated savings of roughly half a billion euros over five years.
Phase three of Greece’s 2024–2035 armed-forces structure entails mergers and abolition of 56 units and 126 structures, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias announced on 20 October 2026. Parliament’s relevant committee had been briefed on 19 October.
Structural changes
Plans include an Unmanned Systems Brigade in Litochoro, a special unit for unmanned supply and transport vehicles, Navy bases for autonomous and unmanned systems, and an Air Force unmanned-aircraft base. A collaborative-aircraft structure is also planned for future cooperation with F-35s.
Asked about the merger timetable, the minister said implementation would proceed immediately. The public announcement does not provide a complete named list of all 56 units and 126 structures or confirmation that every individual abolition has been completed. The figures are not presented as an equivalent number of already-closed military camps.
Estimated savings and personnel
Dendias put savings at roughly half a billion euros over five years, or about €100 million annually. This is a ministry estimate, not money already saved in completed accounts.
He said resources were intended for personnel, with financial measures subject to discussions with the Finance Ministry. He presented an initial benchmark of 200 days at sea annually for crews and an intention to pay substantially higher compensation when operational needs require exceeding it. The statement does not specify an already-enacted new compensation amount or payment date.
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