The Greek security council gave the initial green light earlier this year, and the procurement contract was officially approved on a Thursday, according to statements from Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias.
Greek Defense Procurement and Israeli Defense Contracts
The newly approved contract involves Israeli weapons manufacturers Rafael and IAI. According to Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, the agreement provides for an advanced air defense system designed to counter ballistic missiles, enemy aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
“It will be clear and fully operational within 35 months from today,” Dendias stated, adding that approximately 25 percent of the system components will be manufactured by domestic Greek defense contractors. This multi-billion-dollar deal builds on previous defense cooperation between Athens and Tel Aviv. In the preceding year, Greece purchased 36 Israeli-produced rocket artillery systems for roughly 7 milliarder kroner, and the partnership has also facilitated an Israeli-operated training center on Greek territory, alongside joint military exercises focused on counter-drone technology and cybersecurity.
Broader Military Modernization and Defense Spending Plans
The air defense acquisition forms just one piece of a much larger strategic overhaul. Over the coming decades, Athens plans to invest roughly 300 milliarder kroner to upgrade its armed forces, according to official government projections.
Current air defense operations in Greece rely on the American Patriot system and the older Russian S-300 platform. The upcoming multi-decade expansion will diversify these capabilities. Planned acquisitions include up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the United States, alongside naval fregates ordered from France and Italy. Defense Minister Dendias confirmed that the modernization program also covers three C-390 military transport aircraft from the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, ten British-built mini-submarines tailored for special operations, and a mix of American V-BAT drones and Israeli Heron drones.
Did you know?
Greece and Israel regularly conduct joint military exercises, cooperating closely on specialized defense initiatives such as antidrone systems and network security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weapons systems are included in the new Greek defense deal?
According to Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, the deal includes an Israeli air defense system built by Rafael and IAI to counter ballistic missiles, planes, and drones, alongside transport planes and drones.
How much is Greece spending on military upgrades?
Greece plans to spend roughly 300 milliarder kroner over the coming decades to overhaul its armed forces, with the current Israeli air defense contract accounting for 38 milliarder kroner.
When will the new air defense system become operational?
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias stated that the system will be fully operational within 35 months from the contract approval date.
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