Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that his country will spend 25 billion euros on defense by the year 2037. Speaking in Parliament, Mitsotakis provided information on Greece’s long-term defense investments and policy. He emphasized that the resources for the long-term program do not only include investments in armaments but also investments to keep the country strong and stable in a world that is constantly evolving at an unpredictable pace. Pointing out the crises in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Syria, Mitsotakis indicated that the United States is also preparing for changes in its role within NATO. He warned that shifting balances will lead to new challenges that the European Union (EU) must address, stating, “Therefore, investments in our defense capabilities are investments in our sovereignty and national honor.” Reflecting on the EU’s debate on defense budget, Mitsotakis mentioned that Greece will not “abuse” the flexibility provided to EU countries in defense expenditures. Mitsotakis highlighted that upon taking office in July 2019, his party New Democracy encountered an underinvested defense force due to the economic crisis in previous years, but investments such as acquiring 24 Rafale fighter jets and 3 Belharra frigates were made during their tenure. Mitsotakis stressed that due to limited defense spending during the economic crisis years, planned investments could not be realized, but now there is a 25 billion euro opportunity for the defense program, according to the Defense Minister. In his speech, Mitsotakis also outlined the basic principles of Greece’s planned new defense investments program. Emphasizing the changes in defense technologies such as the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence showcased in the war in Ukraine, Mitsotakis said, “All these technologies must be included in the Armed Forces’ long-term planning.” He noted that participation in F-35 and Belharra programs alone is not sufficient, stressing the importance of renewable and upgradable flexible weapon systems. Mitsotakis also underlined the importance of domestic value-added in defense investments, stating, “Today we must speak about the Greek defense industry’s participation in all programs prepared by the Ministry of National Defense for the coming years.” Another key principle of the new defense investments program, as explained by Mitsotakis, is the maintenance and repair of existing systems, as neglecting maintenance will lead to losses. Mitsotakis reiterated that Greece must adapt to the changing circumstances in the world, saying, “Although we may be a small country in size, we hold great geopolitical significance. I would like to emphasize that we have deterrent, not aggressive aspirations because in an unstable international environment, we are obliged to maintain our internal stability based on national sovereignty.” Mitsotakis stated that Greece’s defense policy has both existential and developmental traits, adding, “There can be no prosperity without security. Security cannot exist without being financed by a strong economy.” Seeking support from opposition parties for the long-term program, Mitsotakis mentioned that Defense Minister Nikos Dendias will provide more detailed information on the program’s content to the relevant parliamentary committee in the coming days.