Greece's Defense Minister Warns Against Reliance on Foreign Satellites as Athens Launches New Military Space Command

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has warned that relying on foreign-owned satellites for military communications is unacceptable during a national security crisis, as Greece moves to develop its own space-based intelligence and communications capabilities.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Greek Air Force's new Space Operations Command at Dekeleia Air Base near Athens on November 9, Dendias said the country could no longer afford to depend on private foreign providers for critical military services.

He described a scenario in which Greece's communications relied on a satellite owned by a private company abroad, potentially controlled by interests in another country.

Such dependence, he said, “is not an acceptable solution for the 21st century.”

Dendias also questioned the delays involved in obtaining satellite intelligence from foreign companies.

“Which minister can expect to wait 24 hours for a photograph of our wider area to be bought from a foreign provider?” he asked.

The minister pointed to disruptions in Ukraine's satellite communications as an example of the risks associated with relying on external systems during military operations.

Greece has already acquired 16 dual-use optical satellites in low Earth orbit, but Dendias said those capabilities remain insufficient.

Athens now plans to develop 12 additional military satellites: six for optical observation, three for signals intelligence and three equipped with radar technology capable of operating in darkness and poor weather.

The government also intends to acquire a military-grade geostationary communications satellite, establishing a nationally controlled network through its MILSATCOM program.

The new command forms part of Greece's Agenda 2030 military modernization program, which seeks to integrate space, cyber capabilities and electronic warfare into traditional military operations.

Dendias argued that independent satellite capabilities were essential to protecting the country's security and sovereignty.