Greece has developed a new defence doctrine focused on long-range deterrence and rapid retaliation in the event of an attack, as the country’s armed forces accelerate major modernisation programmes…

The strategy, outlined by Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, emphasises the ability to deliver “sub-strategic strikes” against any potential adversary, with a fully 360-degree operational response capability across multiple theatres, from Thrace to the Eastern Mediterranean.

According to defence planning, Greece is shifting away from traditional large-scale manoeuvres and towards precision strikes targeting enemy strategic infrastructure, command centres, and high-value assets using long-range missile systems and distributed platforms.

The concept includes the deployment of floating missile platforms across the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, designed to ensure survivability and flexibility while maintaining strike capability over extended distances.

Central to the new doctrine is the so-called “Achilles Shield”, a layered defence system intended to protect against ballistic missiles, drones, and other aerial threats while enabling retaliatory strikes with strategic missiles.

Greek planners said future responses would rely on dispersed platforms capable of launching long-range strikes rather than conventional territorial offensives, which are now considered costly and geopolitically complex.

The doctrine also reflects regional security concerns, including Turkish drone operations extending beyond the Aegean into North Africa and the presence of Turkish naval and unmanned systems such as the Anadolu carrier, which has been adapted for drone operations.

Greece is expected to equip its new FDI frigates with up to 32 cruise missiles, while also integrating long-range strike capabilities on additional naval platforms. Italian FREMM-class frigates (Bergamini class) under consideration are also expected to be part of the expansion, pending approval from the relevant parliamentary defence committee and the government’s security council.

The modernisation plan extends to the air force, with Rafale jets expected to carry SCALP missiles, F-16 Viper aircraft to be equipped with AGM-158B JASSM-ER missiles, and future F-35 stealth fighters adding further deep-strike capability. Greece is also acquiring Israeli PULS multiple rocket launch systems with a range of up to 300 kilometres.

Officials said the overall objective was to ensure Greece possesses sufficient numbers of missile systems and platforms capable of delivering precise, long-range strikes from multiple directions, significantly increasing deterrence capability.

SOURCE: https://greekcitytimes.com/2026/05/06/greece-expands-military-reach-with-long-range-missiles/