Greek defense: innovation starts again between projects and challenges

Greece is seeking to modernize its defense industry based on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and recent conflicts in the Middle East. At the heart of this strategy, the Hellenic Defense Innovation Center (ELKAK) links the needs of the armed forces and the capabilities of the country’s companies and laboratories. Its objective: to develop technologies that meet, above all, the operational requirements of the field.

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ELKAK therefore plays a central role in this effort. The organization has just completed two years of operation and presents a report which reflects both the mobilization of the national ecosystem and the first tangible results in terms of operational applications.

As the general director of ELKAK explains to euronews, Pantelis Tzortzakis, the main achievement of these first two years was the establishment of a mechanism capable of operating simultaneously in two directions: identifying the needs of the armed forces and, at the same time, map the technological capacities available on the Greek market, in universities and in research centers.

« The most important thing is that a team was assembled that managed to assume a dual role: identifying the operational needs of the armed forces and, at the same time, sifting through the ecosystem, seeing what products and services were developed in the country and how they can be combined “, he emphasizes.

ELKAK’s philosophy differs from the traditional logic of funding research ideas. As Pantelis Tzortzakis explains, “ we don’t start from the idea. We start from a product which is already at a technological maturity level 6 or 7. Level 1 corresponds to the idea and 9 to the final product. Our goal is to bring it to level 9 ».

This approach already seems to be bearing fruit. According to the figures presented in the biennial report, three innovation development projects have been completed, while six others are in progress. At the same time, three new research and development projects are due to start by June 2026.

Among the projects already at the operational stage is the electronic warfare system “Kentavros”developed by the Hellenic Aeronautical Industry with the support of ELKAK. At the same time, recognition systems, surveillance and other applications from collaborations with Greek companies and research organizations are already in operation or at an advanced stage of development.

« We have a set of projects that are already in use by the armed forces and a number of others that will enter production during the year », says Pantelis Tzortzakis.

Lessons learned from the war in Ukraine but also from operations in the Middle East have directly influenced the priorities of the Greek defense ecosystem. At the international level, the debate is now focused on autonomous and unmanned systemswhich profoundly transform the conduct of operations.

« Autonomous and unmanned systems are extremely important. But they cannot replace humans. They can perform many functions, but the final decision must remain in human hands, especially when it comes to weapon systems », insists Pantelis Tzortzakis.

Investments in research and human capital

Alongside operational programs, ELKAK invests in the development of human resources and know-how. More than 1.3 million euros have already been allocated to six research projects carried out by higher military education establishments, while 12 doctorate degrees are financed, a figure expected to double. At the same time, a training program for WITH dedicated to marine robotics and autonomous systems is being implemented for the first time in the country for the benefit of the armed forces.

The Greek presence within the European Defense Fund is also significant. According to the data presented by ELKAK, 410 proposals were submitted to the European Commission, of which 57 were approved, with Greek participation in 34 of them. In total, 61% of the selected proposals involve Greek participation, which illustrates the progressive strengthening of the country’s position in the European defense ecosystem.

The development of technologies à double usage also arouses keen interest. The report “A Dual Use Nation: Startups”, produced in cooperation with Endeavor Greece, highlights a market in a strong growth phase. 76% of startups say they are developing dual-use technologies, 63% operate in the field of artificial intelligence and 49% believe that Greece can gain a competitive advantage in defense through its exploitation.

Meanwhile, 84% of startups plan to raise capital in the next twelve months, while 50% of investment funds indicate that they are already investing or planning to invest in this area over the next two years. Thanks to the Pitch Arena initiative, more than 55 start-ups sought funding exceeding 100 million euros in 2026.

However, as Pantelis Tzortzakis points out, the challenge is not limited to financing. HAS” We need to change our mentality. Accept that failure can make us better. The main thing is that companies find a first customer and adapt to real operational needs ».

From this same perspective, he also addresses the issue of transparency in defense markets. “Transparency is absolutely essential. But when it turns into a bureaucracy, it often stops producing results. You have to make quick decisions, test several solutions and choose the best,” he explains.

Looking to the future, ELKAK is already preparing a joint development action between states with theDefense Innovation Agency French company, with a launch planned for 2027 and covering integrated air defense and naval defense systems and multi-domain teaming capabilities.

For Pantelis Tzortzakis, the development of the defense ecosystem is a process that requires time and strategic perseverance. HAS” There are areas where we can produce immediate results, others that need strengthening, and still others where we have to start from scratch. It’s like agriculture: where there is wheat, we harvest; where it is still small, we put fertilizer; and where there is none at all, we sow ».

The effort to rebuild the Greek defense industry is part of the overall strategy to reform the armed forces carried out by the Ministry of National Defense. During the event marking two years of activity of ELKAK, the Minister of Defense, NÃkos Déndiasstressed that “Innovation in the field of defense constitutes a fundamental pillar of national defense”recalling that the country must evolve and transform its productive model.

According to him, ELKAK is a key instrument for linking the operational needs of the armed forces with the capabilities of Greek research, industry and innovation, at a time when technological autonomy and resilience in defense acquire increasing strategic importance.

After a long period of decline, particularly during the years of economic crisis, the Greek defense industry therefore seems to be regaining new momentum. It remains to be seen whether this effort will result in a solid productive base, exports and real operational added value for the armed forces; the answer will come in the coming years. But, for the first time in several decades, the debate no longer focuses only on equipment purchased abroad, but also on technologies designed, developed and tested in Greece.