9 hours ago

Greece is developing its own space capabilities and preparing a network of 12 satellites for military surveillance and communications

Cristiana Dida

11 November 2026, 11:34

International

foto: shutterstock.com

Always see our news on Google

Greece is developing its own military capabilities in space to reduce its dependence on satellites and providers controlled by other countries. On Monday, November 9, Athens inaugurated the Space Operations Command at Dekeleia Air Base, near the capital.

The new structure is part of the “Agenda 2030” military modernization program and will integrate space intelligence into army, navy and air force operations. Greece is preparing a network of 12 satellites: six for optical observation, three for collecting electronic signals intelligence and three equipped with radar technology. The radar satellites will be able to provide images even at night or in cloudy conditions.

Defense Minister Nikos Dendias cited the lessons of the war in Ukraine, where satellite communications have become essential but also vulnerable. He warned that a 24-hour delay in obtaining an image could make the information useless in a military situation.

Athens also intends to acquire a geostationary satellite for secure communications through the MILSATCOM project. The new command will bring together data from national and European programs, including HELIOS-II, GOVSATCOM and IRIS². Greece is also seeking to develop its domestic space industry, but it has not yet announced the launch timeline or the total cost of the projects.

Context: Europe is expanding its satellite communications and surveillance architectures, while the military stakes in space are rising

Before Greece’s initiative, at the European level the Commission confirmed that negotiations with Ukraine for association with GOVSATCOM were underway and announced the system’s expansion with “secure commercial capabilities” from 2027. GOVSATCOM has already been operational since January 2026 by pooling the governmental satellite capabilities of participating states, while IRIS² is presented as a long-term complement, with the first launches scheduled for 2029.

In parallel, the United States and China are intensifying their military competition in orbit, including through the development of satellites capable of tracking, inspecting, capturing, or disabling other spacecraft. U.S. officials warned about Chinese systems capable of interfering with or destroying space targets, as Washington prepares orbital interceptors and other measures together with allies, further underscoring the importance of reducing dependence on externally controlled providers.