Despite the differences in size, Turkey does not have a decisive numerical superiority over Greece that would allow it to impose itself, as can be seen from the correlation of the military capabilities of the two countries, based on the Annual Report of the Cyprus Centre for Strategic Studies (CCSM) on the «Balance of Forces between Greece and Turkey 2021».
As stated in a relevant article of SigmaLive, the Report notes that the emphasis of Greek budgets, under the pressure of economic data, which is more on maintaining or modernizing existing capabilities and less on new markets, may to allow a steadily arming Turkey to widen the gap between them, in particular in sea and air assets (aircraft carriers, corvettes, frigates, helicopters, unmanned vehicles, etc.), looking forward to geopolitical advantages and other benefits.
Land Army
In the land forces, in terms of both manpower and main battle tanks, armoured vehicles and other assets, the Turkish numerical superiority exists but is generally reduced compared to previous years. By extension, the difference in power ratios between the two countries in various categories is narrower and more positive for Greece than before.
Navy
In the Navy, the comparison of forces with Turkey is even more positive for Greek defence, especially in terms of heavy maritime assets such as submarines (11 Greek and 12 Turkish) and frigates (13 Greek and 16 Turkish) with strong capabilities to deal with any Turkish challenge in the Aegean. The remaining warships, although numerically fewer than Turkey's, nevertheless constitute a formidable force for the Greek Navy that the other side cannot ignore.
Air Force
In the Air Force, Greece with 230 fighter aircraft - 78 fewer than Turkey - maintains a force ratio of 1.3 Turkish fighters for every Greek which will be improved by the supply of French Rafale. And although modernization, significant technological upgrading and numerical increase of all available means in this sector are required, the Air Force is a very strong, reliable and decisive element in the defence of Greek national sovereignty. The same is true for Turkey, it said.
Turkey's demographic advantage
According to the report, an advantage for Greece is the high percentage of professionals in the Armed Forces (52% in the Army, 88% in the Navy, compared to 23% and 29% respectively in Turkey). There is also cohesion among the troops, a clear understanding of the nature and origin of the threat and a high level of training. The problem is the burdened economy and constraints, the smaller sizes, the great demands - technological and otherwise - that the geographical area to the east makes for effective defence.
It is stated that Turkey's advantage is its larger numbers and sizes, the depth of its domestic war industry which makes it self-sufficient in various sectors, as well as an emerging major exporter. A serious problem is the the multiple threats it faces in its environment and at home, its involvement with 40,000 troops in various crises abroad with the huge support that this force needs, the weakening of its position by the purges of dissident cadres, the bad relations with the US and the EU and countries of the region, as well as US prohibitions and restrictions.
The population of Greece is 10.761.253 and that of Turkey is 82.017.514. It is added that the active military manpower on the Greek side amounts to 142.700 and in Turkish on 355.200.
Turkey has the largest number of soldiers in NATO (outside the US) and in Europe in general. France follows with 203,000 soldiers, Germany with 184,000, Italy with 166,000, the United Kingdom with 149,000 and then Greece.
Based on these figures, there are currently 2.4 Turkish soldiers for every Greek soldier, compared to 3.5:1 in 2014.Military manpower in Turkey is reduced mainly due to the reduction of the service, the refugee army (the number of refugees is estimated at around 450,000) and - at the level of cadres - the mass purges of «dissidents» by the Erdogan regime.
