Greece is in talks with Israel to develop a €2 billion anti-air and missile defense dome as part of a broader effort to modernize its armed forces while recovering from a prolonged debt crisis.
The defense system is likely to imitate Israel’s Iron Dome and other systems that intercept short and long-range missiles launched during attacks from neighboring countries amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
Greece is inclined to invest in its defense to maintain its NATO alliance and compete with its historical rival, Turkey, which is also developing its air defense, despite some improvements in relations.
“The plan is to create a multi-layered anti-air and anti-drone system,” a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters after a closed-door conference with Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias. “We are in discussions with Israel.”
A second official confirmed the scale of the potential agreement, adding that Greece must spend €12.8 billion by 2035 to modernize its armed forces.
