Greece is engaged in discussions with Israel to develop a €2 billion ($2.11 billion) anti-aircraft and missile defense system, Greek officials announced on Thursday, November 14. The initiative forms part of Greece’s broader strategy to modernize its armed forces as the country continues its recovery from a prolonged debt crisis.
Aim to maintain parity with NATO ally
The proposed defense system would likely resemble Israel’s Iron Dome and other technologies designed to intercept short- and long-range missiles, a necessity given the regional conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. This modernization effort also aligns with Greece’s aim to maintain parity with its NATO ally and historical rival, Turkey, which is advancing its own air defense systems despite recent improvements in bilateral relations.
Reports quoting sources familiar with the matter, speaking after a confidential briefing with Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, explained that the objective is to establish a comprehensive anti-aircraft and anti-drone system. The reports also confirmed that discussions with Israel are ongoing.
Greece to allocate €12.8 billion for armed forces modernization by 2035
Another official corroborated the projected cost of the initiative, noting that Greece aims to allocate €12.8 billion for armed forces modernization by 2035. This defense upgrade is part of a broader 10-year procurement plan, which includes acquiring up to 40 F-35 fighter jets and drones from the United States, as well as Belharra frigates and Rafale jets from France.
During the briefing, Dendias emphasized Greece’s commitment to rapidly advancing its military capabilities, stating that the goal is a swift transition of the country’s armed forces into the 21st century.
Currently, Greece relies on U.S.-made Patriot systems and older Russian S-300 systems for air defense. Despite some easing of tensions with Turkey, significant disputes persist between the two nations over issues such as maritime boundaries, energy exploration, and airspace in the eastern Mediterranean.
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