News|Israel-Palestine conflict‘Heavily armed’: Greece, Israel boost military ties amid Gaza genocideCritics say Athens appears to be embracing Israel’s ‘defence model’ after announcing the largest purchase of its weapons.
On December 4, Greece's Defence Affairs Committee authorized the acquisition of 36 PULS rocket artillery systems valued at $760 million. This represents Greece's largest procurement of Israeli weaponry to date. The systems will be integrated into…
On December 4, Greece's Defence Affairs Committee authorized the acquisition of 36 PULS rocket artillery systems valued at $760 million. This represents Greece's largest procurement of Israeli weaponry to date. The systems will be integrated into Greece’s Shield of Achilles initiative, a comprehensive air defence strategy valued at 2.8 billion euros ($3.3 billion), announced in the previous year.
There is ongoing dialogue about potential co-production of defence technologies between Greece and Israel. Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias emphasized Greece’s intention to transition from being a purchaser to a co-producer of defence systems, aiming to develop low-cost, dual-use, and innovative products.
In support of this initiative, the Hellenic Aerospace Industry has combined its Centaur anti-drone electronic warfare system with Israel Aerospace Industries’ Barak anti-drone rocket system, creating a combined soft-kill, hard-kill weapon.
Greece's Ministry of National Defence is negotiating the purchase of three additional missile defence systems: Spyder, Barak, and David’s Sling, from Israeli firms Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries. These systems are valued at approximately 3.1 billion euros ($3.5 billion) and aim to enhance Greece's air defence capabilities.
On December 4, Greece's Defence Affairs Committee authorized the acquisition of 36 PULS rocket artillery systems valued at $760 million.
Current discussions between Greece and Israel involve a government-to-government agreement to bypass the competitive bid process, ensuring expedited procurement of these systems.
Greece, Israel, and Cyprus have strengthened their trilateral relationship, initially focusing on energy projects and now expanding to include security and defence cooperation. This collaboration includes joint military exercises and discussions about a radar system to monitor the Eastern Mediterranean.
Greece and Israel continue to explore various avenues for defence cooperation, emphasizing the transfer of knowledge and joint development of military technologies. While administrative and legal constraints exist within Greece's defence industry, efforts are ongoing to facilitate greater flexibility and efficiency in operations.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
