Greek defence modernization and civil protection

On 22 July 2026, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias visited the 355th Firefighting Aircraft Squadron at Eleusis Air Base, praising the Air Force’s dual role in military missions and civil‑protection tasks such as aerial firefighting and rescue. He linked the need to replace the ageing firefighting fleet to the broader "Agenda 2030" defence reform, and paid tribute to crews lost in the line of duty.

A week later, on 29 July, Dendias embarked on a two‑day tour of six Eastern Aegean and Dodecanese islands, followed by Crete, accompanied by senior army, navy and air‑force chiefs. The delegation inspected bases, reviewed drone deployments and assessed progress on the "Armed Forces 2030" plan. The visits aimed to ensure operational readiness ahead of the autumn elections and the upcoming tourist season, while addressing logistical challenges at key naval facilities such as Salamina.

Together, the visits underscore the Greek government’s focus on modernising equipment – from firefighting aircraft to drone capabilities – and strengthening civil‑protection and defence readiness across the archipelagic region.