Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias Address at Cyber Greece 2026 Conference

Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias Address at Cyber Greece 2026 Conference

October 21, 2026

The Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, due to his visit to the USA, made the following pre-recorded statement, at the Cyber Greece 2026 Conference, in the framework of the session entitled "National security - Critical infrastructure in the era of hybrid threats":

"Ladies and Gentlemen,

The title of today's session - "National security - Critical infrastructure in the era of hybrid threats" - describes a reality that we already live in. The traditional distinction between peace and war, as well as between political and military areasarenowadays blurry.

Hybrid threats develop within that "grey", in-between zone. Often, without a clear source of origin and without prompting a traditional military response. They target energy and communication networks, banks, hospitals, ports, and water supplies. At the same time, misinformation undermines the trust of civilians towards institutions. Artificial intelligence intensifies these threats, minimising the time and cost needed for attacks and enhancing their potential effectiveness.

Consequently, a cyber-attack against crucial infrastructure constitutes a matter of national security. The world has changed. That means that the Armed Forces must change.

The "Agenda 2030" is exactly that: the roadmap of that change. Our goal is for the Armed Forces to function as a unified system of information gathering, processing, and operational utilisation through the direct linking of sensors, systems, and response. Thus, information, becomes a strategic chapter and cyberspace a domain of operations of its own. It combines the land, air, and sea with space. It is for the same reason that the "Achilles' Shield" consists of five different levels.

This change to the Armed Forces is implemented through specific institutional and operational changes.

To begin with, through the Joint Information Technology Corps.It was formed by means of law 5110/2024. In the beginning, the corps was staffed through transfers from other branches, but ever since 2025, the first Officers of the Joint Information Technology Corps have been trained in the Hellenic Military Academy of Combat Service Support Officers.

Through Unit 1864.It is the operational arm of the Armed Forces in cyberspace.

Through the creation of a unified information utilisation and processing network. As we said, the function of Unit 1864 is combined with the Electronic Intelligence Unit "1821", the Space Applications Unit "1912", and the Human Intelligence Gathering Unit "1947". As I have already said, those four Units create a unified network of information gathering, processing, and utilisation.

Finally, trough the infrastructure that we are building.On 22 June, in the presence of the Prime Minister, we inaugurated the new facilities of the Information Technology and Cyberspace Directorate of HNDGS, at Camp "Papagou", namely at the Ministry of National Defence. The infrastructure includes a data centre, operations rooms, and digital research laboratories, in accordance with the most demanding international standards.

The mission of all those facilities is not limited to the protection of our Country's Armed Forces. It aims at contributing to and fortifying the public as a whole, as well as the Greek society.

Therefore, coordinated action by all competent authorities is required. We need a common perspective, rapid countering of threats, joint exercises, and common procedures in dealing with crises. Public and private administrators of the facilities must participate in this effort as partners, as do our international allies in NATO and the EU.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The fundamental truth remains the same. Humans are still the decisive factor. That is why we invest in training, the cooperation between Military Academies and Universities, research, and ties with the Greek defence and technological industry. We also aim at creating a military service, which will be meaningful and offer useful skills and certifications to younger people.

Here in the Armed Forces, we are fully aware that we compete with the private sector for the same specialised personnel. So, apart from a decent pay, we have to offer them the capability to serve in one of the most demanding modern operational domains.

I would like to conclude by saying that the reform of the Armed Forces is not a choice stemming from luxury. It is a necessary and non-negotiable term for the security of the Country. Of course, we still have a lot of work to do and a long way to go. After all, that is why it is called the "Agenda 2030"; otherwise, it would be called "Agenda 2026".

I would like to wish you all every success in your work. Thank you very much!"