A new combat uniform, a central element of the ongoing reform of the Hellenic Armed Forces, was unveiled on Tuesday at the Military Academy by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias.
The €204 million program aims to meet 50% of the active army’s needs by August 2027, with full coverage expected by August 2030.
The first phase (50%) will equip units deployed in the eastern Aegean, the Evros border region, the southern island of Crete, and the Hellenic Force in Cyprus.
The program includes new MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) gear with plate carriers offering ballistic protection with two plates, two types of modern Kevlar helmets (high/low cut), knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, dust and shrapnel protective eyewear, a CBRN visor (offering chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protective solutions), as well as new night vision scopes and binoculars for both night and day observation.
Special Forces will initially receive sniper rifles, with selected army units also set to be equipped. The new uniform will also include upgraded boots.
In addition, the G3 rifle, currently used by all Armed Forces personnel, will be fitted with a sight and a folding stock. A key enhancement to soldier survivability is the new communication system, which will provide tactical situation awareness in the field through a Blue Force Tracking terminal.
Ninety percent of the new combat uniform will be produced by Greece’s domestic defense industry. The first materials are expected to be delivered by 2026, with distribution to border units to follow.