Harnessing the Potential: Defense AI in Greece

This chapter seeks to shed light on the efforts of the Greek defense ecosystem to prepare for and adopt defense AI, as well as on the perceptions and considerations that have shaped these efforts. In line with the platonic phrase “necessity is the mother of invention,” the Greek defense establishment has been a quick adopter of AI and its defense promises for several reasons. These include long-standing bilateral problems with neighboring countries, the potential to apply defense-related AI to the civilian realm and vice versa, and an innate understanding of the need to ride the current scientific and technological wave. Overall, it is concluded that concrete steps have indeed been taken to harness the potential of the technological and operational “window of opportunity” that AI presents. However, the analysis notes the persistence of challenges, including the need to enhance cooperation with the science establishment, to strengthen participation in collaborative RD&I projects in line with current and operational requirements, to maximize the benefits for the domestic ecosystem from the procurement of cutting-edge defense equipment, and to establish a single administrative point for the establishment and implementation of a unified defense AI vision.