DEFEA- Defence Exhibition Athens is organized at a point when Greece announced major arms purchases with “six emblematic decisions that multiply the power, functionality and effectiveness of Greek weapons” as the Greek PM K.Mitsotakis stated. These decisions include:

The six decisions announced by PM Mitsotakis:

1. The Hellenic Air Force will immediately acquire a squadron of 18 Rafale fighter jets that will replace older Mirage 2000 fighters. As the Greek PM said these are fourth generation superior aircraft that “strengthen Greek deterrent power… in combination with the modernized F-16”
2. The Hellenic Navy is launching the process for the procurement of four new multi-role frigates, while at the same time, it will modernize and upgrade four existing MEKO frigates. Mr Mitsotakis left open, what these ships will be, and several countries are looking at the tender for their own shipyards, or design bureaus. The new ships will also be accompanied by four MH-60R (Romeo) naval helicopters.
3. The arsenal of the three branches is being enriched as a whole. New anti-tank weapons are immediately provided for the Army, new heavy-duty torpedoes for the Navy. New guided missiles for the Air Force. The doctrine is every weapon system will be active throughout its lifespan, as it should and where it is needed.
4. Mr. Mitsotakis also announced the recruitment of 15,000 men and women for an initial five-year period. At the same time, the whole framework of military service and training is being re-evaluated, so that recruits can acquire certified skills for free.
5. The re-activation of Greek defense industry was also announced. Already in the Elefsina shipyards American funds are being invested in their modernization. A strategic investor will soon enter the Scaramanga shipyards, maintaining jobs there, according to Mr Mitsotakis. The tender process was completed, the privatization of ELVO was completed in the immediate future and the Hellenic Aerospace Industry was reorganized, in order to be transformed into an aircraft maintenance center for the wider area.
6. The Armed Forces are enhancing their digital operations, as well as their protection against hybrid-type cyber-attacks. At each of their operational levels, modern systems are installed that ensure a secure flow of information and therefore timely mobilization.

According to Mr. Mitsotakis: “These are six bold choices. Six bold answers not only to the needs of the times, but also to the challenges of history. As can be seen, they are moving at many levels, not only the strengthening of weapons systems, but also the increase of human resources, the modernization of the structures of the Armed Forces, but also the legal framework for defense procurement. In other words, these initiatives constitute a robust program that will become a national shield. At the same time, however, they constitute movements with a growth sign, as they mobilize our national industry, but also with a social flavor, securing thousands of jobs.”