Greece's Defense Minister Nikos Dendias revealed Thursday that Greece now operates two drone production factories and is...

Greece's Defense Minister Nikos Dendias revealed Thursday that Greece now operates two drone production factories and is actively building a third, speaking at the 30th Annual Economist Government Roundtable in a session titled "Guarding the Future: Defending Europe at Strategic Frontiers." Dendias framed the expansion as part of Greece's broader "Agenda 2030" military modernization drive, which prioritizes dual-use innovation over large platform purchases of the past. He said Greece wants defense investment to generate economic benefits for Greek society, including export-ready products that help correct the trade imbalance that contributed to the country's debt crisis. On drone production specifically, Dendias said Greece "entered late but is moving fast," noting that military units can now produce drones in the field using mobile units and 3D printers. He stressed that Greece doesn't need massive drone stockpiles since technology evolves quickly, but does need the capacity to scale production rapidly when required. Dendias also highlighted the "Kentauros" anti-drone system, already deployed on Hellenic Navy frigates. The system has recorded successful intercepts against Houthi drones in the Red Sea and costs less than comparable foreign systems, he said. On NATO's recent summit, Dendias described it as well-organized with no major disagreements between Trump and European leaders. He noted that Trump again pushed for higher defense spending and fairer burden-sharing, and confirmed Greece consistently spends above the NATO threshold. Regarding Turkey potentially acquiring F-35s, Dendias raised a pointed question: whether selling a frontline platform to Turkey, with no guarantee it won't be used against a fellow NATO member, actually serves U.S. interests. He said NATO cohesion and Eastern Mediterranean stability are clearly priorities for Washington, and left the implication hanging. On Iran, Dendias called on Tehran to stop threatening, exporting terrorism, and destabilizing the region. He said the Strait of Hormuz is international waters and that any closure "cannot be accepted" by the international community. #Greece #Defense #NATO