Ministry of National Defence (Greece)

Ministry of National Defence
Υπουργείο Εθνικής Άμυνας
Agency overview
FormedApril 14, 1950
Preceding agencies
  • Vice minister of military affairs
  • Vice minister of naval affairs
  • Vice minister of aviation
JurisdictionGovernment of Greece
HeadquartersMesogeion Avenue (Pentagon), Athens
MottoΑμύνεσθαι περί Πάτρης ("To fight for the fatherland")
Employees86.639 (2015)
Annual budget6.025.300.000 € (2025)
Minister responsible
Deputy Minister responsible
  • Thanasis Davakis
Child agencies
Websitewww.mod.mil.gr/en/

The Ministry of National Defence (Greek: Υπουργείο Εθνικής Άμυνας, abbreviated ΥΠΕΘΑ), is the civilian cabinet organisation responsible for managing the Hellenic Armed Forces, the leader of which is, according to the Constitution (Article 45), the President of the Republic but their administration is exercised only by the Prime Minister and the Government of Greece. It is located at 227-231 Messogion Avenue, in the Papagos camp (Pentagon) in Athens, between Papagos and Holargos.

Today is hierarchically ranked 3rd in the rankings of ministries, according to a decision of the Prime Minister (Government Gazette B / 1594 / 25–6–2013). The highest position in the history of the Ministry was the second, behind the ministry of the presidency of the government, on the last government of Andreas Papandreou (1993–1996).

Since 27 June 2023, the Minister for National Defence is Nikos Dendias.