EditGreece’s military modernisation makes headway with Israeli tech in the shadow of Turkish criticism
Tel Aviv to support Athens in combating drone swarms, enhancing cybersecurity defences and building an air defence shield
Greece and Israel have agreed to significantly deepen their defence partnership, focusing on joint development and knowledge-sharing in anti-drone technologies – particularly countering swarms of unmanned aerial and underwater vehicles, and cybersecurity.
This enhanced collaboration is poised to heighten tensions with Turkey, which has grown increasingly vocal in its criticism of Israel amid regional conflicts and views the strengthening Greece-Israel axis – with its implicit focus on countering Turkish military assertiveness in the Eastern Mediterranean, as a direct challenge to its interests.
Following high-level talks in Athens with his Israeli counterpart Israel Katz, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias announced on 20 January the agreement to share expertise on countering emerging threats from unmanned systems. This includes addressing drones in particular, with a focus on coordinated swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles as well as groups of unmanned subsea platforms.
“We agreed to exchange views and know-how to be able to deal with drones and in particular swarms of unmanned vehicles and groups of unmanned subsea vehicles,” Dendias stated. He added that the two nations would also partner to bolster defenses against cyber threats, ensuring readiness to intercept and mitigate such attacks.
This latest initiative builds on the already robust strategic partnership between Greece and Israel, rooted in strong economic and diplomatic relations. The countries jointly operate an air training center on Greek soil and have conducted regular military exercises in recent years, reflecting their shared commitment to security in the Eastern Mediterranean. The cooperation further aligns with a trilateral defense framework involving Greece, Israel, and Cyprus, including a work plan signed in late December for intensified military coordination throughout 2026.
Greece’s procurement from Israel underscores the practical dimensions of this alliance. Last year, Greek authorities approved the acquisition of 36 Israeli-made PULS multiple-launch rocket artillery systems in a deal valued at approximately 650 million euros (around $763 million). Beyond that, ongoing discussions aim to develop a comprehensive multi-layered air and missile defence system capable of countering aircraft, drones, and ballistic threats, with an estimated cost of about 3 billion euros. Israel has been assisting Greece in constructing elements of an air defense shield as part of this broader engagement.
Katz highlighted the broader regional implications of their partnership, describing it as an “anchor of stability in the Mediterranean.” He stressed a shared resolve to prevent destabilizing actors from establishing influence through terrorism, aggression, or proxy forces in key areas. “We are equally determined regarding another critical issue: not to allow actors who seek to undermine regional stability to gain a foothold through terror, aggression or military proxies in Syria, in Gaza, in the Aegean Sea,” Katz declared. His remarks, while not naming specific parties, appeared to reference concerns over actors like Iran and Turkey pursuing expansive ambitions in the region.
The strengthening of Greek-Israeli ties occurs against a backdrop of complex regional dynamics, including tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey has long criticized Israel’s policies in Gaza and remains vigilant about perceived expansionism. In recent years, Ankara has pursued legal actions, including arrest warrants issued by its judiciary for Israeli officials, including Katz, related to allegations tied to military operations. Turkey also joined South Africa in a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in 2024. Domestically, boycott initiatives have emerged, such as the opening of a “Free Gaza” supermarket in Istanbul emphasizing local products over those seen as supporting Israel.
Despite these frictions, NATO members Greece and Turkey have pursued efforts to improve bilateral relations after decades of rivalry. Recent steps include exploratory talks and confidence-building measures. The next Greece-Turkey High-Level Cooperation Council, involving Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is anticipated to convene in Ankara in February, though a precise date remains unconfirmed. Such engagements aim to foster dialogue on mutual concerns while managing disputes in the Aegean and beyond.
Sources: Kathimerini, Jerusalem Post, BGNES, Sabah
Caption: Greece’s Minister of Defence Nikolaos Dendias (C-L) and Israel’s Minister of Defence, Israel Katz (C-R), inspect an honor guard during their meeting in Athens, Greece, on 20 January 2026. [Yannis Kolesidis/EPA]
Updated: January 22, 2026 - 06:45
