Greece to deploy 150,000 reserve troops to Aegean islands near Turkey
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Greece plans to deploy approximately 150,000 reserve soldiers to Aegean islands and Crete as part of an expanded military presence near Turkey, Kathimerini reported. The deployment follows Defence Minister Nikos Dendias' inspection of the 'Achilles Shield' air defence project, which will integrate anti-drone systems and electronic warfare capabilities on islands close to Turkey.
The Deployment Plan
Greece aims to establish three new special operations reserve units, totaling around 150,000 combat-ready reservists, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias stated. These forces would be positioned on the eastern Aegean islands and Crete, according to Kathimerini. The plan accelerates Athens' efforts to fortify its military presence amid rising regional security concerns. Greece’s defence budget has seen a 2.5% increase in 2026, reaching €8.4 billion.
Achilles Shield Air Defence
The 'Achilles Shield' project, inspected by Dendias atop the frigate Psara, integrates anti-drone systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and a multi-layered air defence network. The system is designed to protect islands such as Lesbos, Chios, and Rhodes from aerial threats, and may eventually incorporate Israeli-made Iron Dome components. Kathimerini notes the project is fast-tracked to counter Turkey's growing UAV fleet.
Regional Context
Tensions between Greece and Turkey have simmered over territorial waters and airspace in the Aegean. Turkey’s defence exports hit a record $7.1 billion in 2025, including armed drones sold to 34 countries. Greece’s decision to bolster its island defences comes as NATO urges de-escalation. The two countries last held military talks in February 2026 with no breakthrough.
What's Next
The Greek parliament is set to approve funding for the new reserve units in September. It remains unclear whether Turkey will respond with its own military repositioning or seek bilateral talks.
1 source
Greece to deploy 150,000 reserve troops to Aegean islands near Turkey
