Greece’s Defence Minister Nikos Dendias announced significant changes to the country’s military conscription system during a visit to the 34th Mechanised Brigade headquarters near Thessaloniki. Accompanied by Army Chief Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, Dendias outlined what the government is calling the “New Service” — part of the broader “Agenda 2030” defence modernisation plan.
Key reforms include drone operation training for conscripts, increases in service compensation, and the introduction of voluntary service for women. Dendias highlighted the current intake of recruits as the first practical demonstration of the new philosophy, saying: “This is the first time that conscripts come into contact with” modern combat systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles.
Separately, Dendias addressed the discovery of a drone near Lefkada, stating that Greek authorities know “what it is and roughly what it contains,” adding confidently: “We have nothing to envy.” Prime Minister Mitsotakis, speaking the same day, emphasised that “calm waters mean waters where international law applies” — a pointed reference to ongoing tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
