The upgrade of the Greek Armed Forces healthcare system and the improvement of benefits for military personnel and their families were set as central priorities by the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, during the inauguration ceremony of the new Medical Oxygen Production Unit at the Athens Naval Hospital (ANH), held on Thursday, November 11, 2026. The new unit was donated by the company “ANGELAKOS (HELLAS) S.A.”
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Comprehensive study for healthcare modernization & medical coverage as a pillar of competitiveness
The minister also announced the development of a comprehensive study on the Armed Forces healthcare system, aimed at modernizing it and adapting it to new technological requirements. He placed particular emphasis on healthcare coverage for active-duty and retired personnel, as well as their families, describing the healthcare system as absolutely central to creating a competitive working environment within the Armed Forces. As he noted, the public sector cannot compete with the private sector on salary levels, but it must offer a comprehensive benefits framework to strengthen military careers.
Mr. Dendias thanked the Angelakos family, stressing that the significance of the donation goes beyond the act itself, serving as an example for broader societal participation in supporting the Armed Forces. As he stated, “The donation matters in itself, and so does the example it sets,” pointing out that the Armed Forces need the support of society, especially during a period of rapid technological transition. According to the hospital commander, the investment is expected to be fully recovered in less than nine years. Connecting the operation of the new unit to ensuring adequate supplies of critical medical resources, the minister recalled the difficulties faced by European countries during the pandemic due to limited oxygen production capacity. He emphasized that the installation enhances the Athens Naval Hospital’s readiness both under normal conditions and during emergencies.
Modernization and technological transition in the Armed Forces
Regarding the broader planning for military healthcare, Mr. Dendias stated that the forthcoming study will map out new needs, taking into account technological developments and changes in the way healthcare services are delivered. The goal is to leverage the specialized staff of military hospitals in order to create “the best healthcare system not only in the country, but — I can say — in southeastern Europe.”
The minister also addressed the overall transformation of the Armed Forces, noting that the technological transition concerns not only weapons systems but also the planning and execution of operations. He presented footage from an exercise he observed in Rethymno, where the integration of unmanned and autonomous systems into training was demonstrated, with drones transporting medical supplies and ammunition. Mr. Dendias underlined that this technological transition must continue without interference from any source of uncertainty, linking modernization to the preservation of national sovereignty and the country’s sovereign rights. He stressed that Greece must adapt swiftly to the new era in order to safeguard its constitutional achievements.
Nikos Dendias’ post:
At the inauguration of the Medical Oxygen Production Unit of the Athens Naval Hospital. A unit donated by “ANGELAKOS (HELLAS) S.A.” that, beyond its importance for medical oxygen production capacity, also serves as an example for Greek society.
— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) November 12, 2026
Who attended the inauguration ceremony
Among those present at the inauguration ceremony were Deputy Minister of National Defense Thanasis Davakis, the parliamentary spokesperson of New Democracy and former minister Notis Mitarakis, MP and former minister Yannis Kefalogiannis, as well as the donor, Honorary Commodore Evangelos Angelakos, accompanied by members of his family.
Also in attendance were the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras, the commander of the Athens Naval Hospital, Commodore (HC) Georgios Katsimagklis, representatives of the leadership of the other branches of the Armed Forces and the Security Corps, as well as members of the political, business, and diplomatic communities, together with the hospital’s medical and nursing staff.
