Principles that Increase Ratings: Greece’s SAFE Application and Strategic Objectives
The SAFE (Shared Analysis and Financing of European Security) process, which is considered a turning point in the European security architecture, came on the scene with the aim of strengthening Greece’s defense infrastructure. In its application to the European Commission, Athens pursued its total financing request not with footnotes but with clear targets: a loan request of approximately 815 million euros for 6 priority defense programs. While this figure indicates a slightly higher level compared to the Commission’s previous September proposal, it also clearly demonstrates the country’s effort to increase its security and air defense capacity. In this process, the low-interest loan and special financing conditions stipulated by the SAFE regulation and the national supply-oriented approach led Athens to reshape its budget plans. In this article, we break down the goals, international partnerships, technological focus, and financial landscape for each of the 6 priority programs.
Featured Programs and Goals
The three main cross-targets that stand out within the scope of Greece’s SAFE application were shaped through different unions and partnerships. These cover a wide range from communication satellite projects to microsatellite technologies, from anti-UAV systems to integrated defense infrastructure. Below we examine each focus area in detail:
- Communication satellite to be developed together with the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus and Norway: This project, which will strengthen field security and airspace surveillance, aims to fundamentally strengthen European defense communications with crypto communication capacity and resilient communication networks.
- Joint purchase of microsatellites with Poland: Microsatellites with synthetic imaging capabilities for land surveillance will accelerate intelligence gathering and operational decision-making processes. This step improves the quality of real-time data-based decision mechanisms in the field.
- Kentaurus and Yperion anti-UAV systems: The joint development plan with Bulgaria and Greek Cypriot Administration aims to establish effective air defense even with limited human resources. The integration of anti-UAV technologies brings together early detection of threats and effective response capacities.
Other Programs: National and International Priorities
In addition, the three programs on the list have the feature of not attracting the attention of different country actors in national defense procurement. These projects include the development of crypto communication devices, wired/wireless communication systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Investments in this area ensure that the security architecture remains multi-layered and flexible; thus increasing resilience to policy changes or budget fluctuations.
SAFE Regulation: Conditions, Participation and Implementation Timeline
The SAFE regulation requires the interest of at least two member states for each program and stipulates very specific conditions in national procurement projects. In particular, the following criteria stand out:
- Projects can be contracted by May 30, 2026; This aims to accelerate procurement processes and early deployment of operational capacity.
- Active participation of the domestic defense industry; This means strengthening the supply chain, increasing domestic production and increasing independent defense capacity.
Regarding the support and conditions provided, the European Commission’s approach offers flexibility in terms of loan types, interest rates and financing mechanisms. However, due to these strict requirements, Athens may have excluded some programs. This highlights the challenges countries face when adapting their project portfolios to the SAFE framework.
Perspective of the European Commission and Kubilius
When assessing the dynamism among SAFE fund applications, Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for European Defense and Security Policy, particularly focuses on participant diversity and strategic partnerships. The Commission found that among the 19 countries that applied for SAFE funding, approximately 15% had developed plans to provide direct support to Ukraine. However, several countries, including Greece, did not offer joint supplies with Ukraine. This has affected the diversity of partnership models focused on the security needs of the programs.
Evaluation and Current Status: Above or Below Expectations?
Greece’s request for SAFE funds has led to criticism from some quarters that the plans are underappreciated due to their strict and detailed conditions. Although the authorities could not implement all of the initially envisaged programs due to very strict rules, they aim to accumulate a significant infrastructure and know-how for the domestic defense industry with the current list. In other words, strategic independence and the aim of increasing technological market share are prioritized as much as financial support.
International Cooperation and Future Perspectives
Going forward, steps taken by Greece within the scope of SAFE may enable Europe to establish more “active partnerships” in the field of defense technologies. Particularly bilateral and multilateral partnerships will increase the quality and production capacity of the defense industry ecosystem. In addition, microsatellite and communication satellite projects can accelerate the development of critical technologies for European expansion. These strengthen Europe’s critical infrastructures while preserving regional security balances.
Content Summary: Strategic Reasons and Implementation Schedule
As a result, Greece’s SAFE application seeks to integrate into the European security architecture with a total target of 815 million euros over 6 priority programs. While these steps strengthen the domestic defense industry capacity, they also offer a careful balance in terms of financing costs and environmental security risks. The European Commission’s decision-making processes ensure that the national supply-oriented approach is in line with flexibility and security requirements.
