The Greek Defense Ministry has submitted a bill for a major defense reform aimed at transforming the armed forces into a 'more flexible force with higher combat readiness', the online edition of the Kathimerini newspaper reported, BTA reported.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the measures as 'bold' and said that despite the expected opposition, 'they are aimed in absolutely the right direction', Kathimerini noted.
The bill, presented yesterday by Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, aims to modernize military academies and review conscription, with the most notable changes being the introduction of mandatory training for conscripts in drone operations.
The changes are also aimed at avoiding conscription - a growing challenge in recent years, commented “Kathimerini“. Around 30,000 conscripts have been classified as unfit for service in the past three years, with psychological reasons cited in 76 percent of cases. Cases of evasion of military service at home and abroad have also increased, with over 36,000 registered in 2024.
According to the draft law, the exclusion of military personnel will now require a certificate from senior officials of state hospitals, and the status of “permanent unfitness“ will be granted only after verification by the Greek Center for Certification of People with Disabilities.
The ministry's proposal also includes raising the age limit for a reduction in military service from 33 to 40 years, at a cost of 1,500 euros per month of service instead of the previous 900 euros per month of service, as well as a reduction in deferrals for bachelor's degrees from 28 to 25 and a limitation of deferrals for doctoral studies to 30 years of age.
The draft law also provides for a reduction in service for conscripts who enter immediately after high school and for those serving in border regions and the Presidential Guard, from 12 to nine months, during which they will receive 10 weeks of basic training, including mandatory training in drone operations, followed by specialized and operational training in high-level units.
The draft law also creates a reserve force of about 150,000 people up to the age of 60, who will merge with the National Guard. Volunteer reservists will be called up more regularly, with two new units for commandos and paratroopers.