Greek National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has toured American defense technology facilities and met with research executives to evaluate autonomous systems for potential integration into Greece's Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean defenses, part of the country's broader "Agenda 2030" military modernization program.
Mr. Dendias received briefings on high-power microwave systems, advanced robotics, next-generation cyber defense and AI-driven battlefield decision-making tools.
In Austin, he inspected manufacturing facilities producing uncrewed surface vessels — marine drone platforms that have drawn fresh attention following a recent U.S. Navy operation in the Persian Gulf in which an autonomous craft recovered the crew of a downed Apache helicopter.
Greek defense planners are tracking the operational deployment of these unmanned vessels closely, with an eye toward building autonomous surveillance networks across the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean — a priority that has gained urgency amid continued Turkish military activity in the region.
The tour forms part of a broader Greek effort to modernize its domestic defense industry through technology-transfer agreements with American firms and research institutions.
Mr. Dendias was accompanied by Major General Georgios Panousis, head of the Hellenic Army General Staff's corporate branch, along with Greek Consuls General Christina Valassopoulou of Los Angeles and Lambros Kakisis of Houston.
Defense officials said the technical findings from the trip will directly shape upcoming procurement decisions and joint research initiatives under Greece's revised multi-year defense budget, as Athens continues to expand a rearmament drive that already places it among NATO's highest defense spenders relative to GDP.