Greece has announced an ambitious plan to restructure and modernize its reserve forces, aiming to establish a 150,000-strong active corps by 2030. The initiative is a cornerstone of the country’s broader national defense reform, reflecting a shift toward a more flexible, technologically advanced, and operationally ready military force.
According to defense ministry sources, the creation of a modern, institutionally grounded, and operationally prepared “Citizens’ Army” is among the government’s top priorities. The reserve system, deeply rooted in Greek history since ancient times, is now undergoing a fundamental transformation to meet the demands of modern warfare and national defense.
Despite past efforts, the current reserve system is viewed as outdated and misaligned with the operational needs of the Hellenic Armed Forces. In 2024, although 28,455 reservists were called up for retraining, fewer than half, just 14,203, responded. This shortfall has underscored the urgency of structural reform in both the institutional framework and the quality of retraining.
Under the new plan, participation in the reserve force will primarily be voluntary, except in specific cases where operational needs dictate otherwise. The goal is to ensure reservists receive regular, realistic, and high-quality training. The program will draw inspiration from successful models in countries like Finland and Israel, emphasizing simulation-based instruction and preparedness for modern threats such as drones and hybrid warfare.
Reservists will undergo short-term training sessions lasting three to six days every three to five years, with a total commitment of up to 80 days for enlisted soldiers and 150 days for officers throughout their service until retirement. Training will be updated to include cutting-edge technology and the latest defense protocols.
Importantly, the revamped system is designed to integrate smoothly with civilian life. Reservists will be financially compensated for time away from work, and discussions are underway with employers to share the associated costs. Authorities stress that national defense cannot be strengthened without also supporting citizens’ professional and economic well-being.
As one Ministry official noted, “There can be no strong development without strong defense.” The transformation of Greece’s reserve force marks a significant step toward that vision.
On April 2, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that Greece will spend 25 billion euros ($27 billion) through to 2036 in the “most drastic” defense overhaul in its modern history.
The drive, which includes a new anti-missile, anti-aircraft and anti-drone defensive dome called “Achilles’s Shield,” is aimed at addressing rapidly changing geopolitical challenges and fraying transatlantic ties, Mitsotakis said.
“The plan involves the most drastic transformation of the armed forces in the country’s modern history,” Mitsotakis told parliament. “The world is changing at an unforeseeable pace.”
