Greek and the United Arab Emirates air and naval forces are continuing to participate in joint military exercises off the coast of Crete this week as Greece announced plans to boost its military amid tension with Turkey.
Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Monday Greece will be bolstering its military with new armament programs, a boost to military personnel and the development of the country's defence industry.
The news comes as Greece is in a stand-off with neighbouring Turkey, leading to fears of open conflict between the two NATO allies.
Ankara is facing off against Greece and Cyprus over oil and gas exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean.
Greece and Turkey have both deployed naval and air forces to assert their competing claims in the region.
Last Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Greece to enter talks over disputed eastern Mediterranean territorial claims or face the consequences.
Greece and Turkey have come to the brink of war three times since the mid-1970s, including once over exploration rights in the Aegean Sea.