Filenews 7 January 2026 - by Andreas Pogiatzis
The plan for the operational upgrade of the National Guard is also extended to the reserve, which is expected to be equipped with the most modern personal equipment, similar to that already allocated to the active force.
As mentioned during the discussion at the last session of the Parliamentary Committee on Defense for 2025, all the reservists of the National Guard are expected to gradually receive new, integrated and modern personal armour and protection equipment.
This equipment includes, among other things, a new modern helmet, a kit – a battle vest, a combat backpack, as well as additional personal protective materials, such as safety goggles. The aim is to substantially upgrade the operational readiness of the reserve, in full compliance with the standards already applied to the active force of the National Guard.
It is recalled that the Ministry of Defense has already entered into a relevant contract with the Israeli companies Source Vagabond and Marom Dolphin for the supply of this equipment, which has already been made available to the active force, as part of the wider planning for the overall operational upgrade of the National Guard.
As Filenews is informed, the contract provides for the annual supply of specific quantities of personal equipment, with the aim of gradually replacing the existing material for all reservists as well.
Priority is expected to be given to the reservists of the special forces, as well as to the units with a critical operational role, while the plan foresees that, over a five-year horizon, the entire reserve will be equipped with new personal equipment.
According to the same information, the relevant decision has already been made and the implementation of the program is expected to start in the near future.
Equipment from the USA
The National Guard requested from the United States, through the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program, camping and field living materials, with the aim of enhancing the capabilities of supporting personnel in exercises and operational activities.
According to information, the request includes tents of various types (individual, group and administrative use), sleeping bags, sleeping mats, tarpaulins and protective covers, as well as accessory equipment such as straps, ropes, stakes. At the same time, camouflage nets and auxiliary equipment used to set up makeshift accommodation and improve living conditions in the field are included.
