Ministry of National Defence (Greece)

Ministry of Defence
Department overview
Formed1950 (As modern department)
JurisdictionGovernment of Greece
HeadquartersPsychiko, Attica, Greece
38°00′00″N 23°46′57″E / 38.0000687°N 23.7826153°E / 38.0000687; 23.7826153
Annual budget5,5€ billion Euros;
Minister responsible
Department executives
Child Department
  • Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service
Websitehttps://www.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).

It is considered to be a ministry of particular prestige and is one of the most desirable to the members of each government, because it oversees the Armed Forces, manages huge sums of money, and is usually away from the woes and the wear and tear of everyday life.

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