Berlin claims a role in Greece's armaments

At a time when Athens is implementing one of the most ambitious armaments programs of recent decades, the German side is making a dynamic comeback, attempting to strengthen its presence in the Greek defense market and acquire a share in a plan that extends over a period of 12 years and is valued at tens of billions of euros.

The timing is not just coincidental. The visit of the German Foreign Minister takes place a few days after the renewal of the strategic cooperation between Athens and Paris in the defense sector, a development that confirms the strong presence of the French defense industry in Greece and restores competition within Europe.

Today, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis is expected to meet with his German counterpart, with a wide-ranging agenda. The focus will be on bilateral relations between Greece and Germany, where the issue of German reparations may also be raised, while regional developments will be discussed, with an emphasis on the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.

Particular emphasis is also expected to be placed on the coordination of the two countries within the framework of the European Union and NATO, especially in the wake of American pressure and discussions on a possible redeployment of troops from bases in Germany – a development that raises concerns about the coherence of the Western defense architecture.

Infiltration of the Greek armaments program
Behind the scenes, the German side appears to be seeking more active involvement in the Greek armaments program, which includes large purchases of air, naval and land forces. This interest is not accidental, as in recent years Athens has turned strongly towards France, strengthening its cooperation with Paris in terms of weapons systems and strategic partnership.

Berlin’s annoyance at the Greek-French approach had been recorded at the diplomatic level, however, according to a well-informed source with knowledge of the processes in the defense sector, “the Germans do not object to the Greek-French cooperation. They are seeking their own infiltration.” The same source underlines that this is a highly competitive sector, where every major European power claims a role.

Skaramangas and German industry
This context also includes the visit of the German Foreign Minister to the Skaramangas shipyards, as well as to the German company OroraTech, which is active in early fire detection technologies through satellite data.

Of particular importance is the recent agreement between the German giant ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and the Skaramangas shipyards for the mid-life modernization (Mid-Life Upgrade) of four submarines of the Navy. This agreement is perceived as a clear indication of the reactivation of the German defense industry in Greece, in a sector where it has historically had a strong presence.

The “multi-factor” equation of Athens
A government source, commenting on the developments, emphasizes that Greece remains open to collaborations with the German defense industry, emphasizing, however, that “the issue is multi-factorial.” Athens is called upon to balance between different strategic options, alliances and operational needs, in an environment where the interests of the US, Europe and regional powers intersect.

The shadow of the Eurofighter
It does not go unnoticed that this mobility follows a period of tension in Greek-German relations, triggered by Berlin's stance towards the possible sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighters to Turkey. Germany's "warm" approach to the issue had caused concern in Athens, bringing back to the fore the long-standing differences between the two countries regarding the management of Ankara.

Strategic repositioning
German diplomacy is attempting to redefine its role in the region, seeking to strengthen not only its political but also its economic and defense relations with Greece. The current situation – with open fronts in Ukraine, the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean – makes the country a crucial hub of stability.

In this context, the visit takes on a broader significance: it is not simply a diplomatic contact, but part of a coordinated effort by Berlin to reclaim a role in a market and a geopolitical zone where it had lost ground in recent years.

The coming period will show whether this German effort will translate into substantial participation in the Greek armaments program or whether Athens will continue to invest mainly in other strategic partnerships.