EditIsrael deepens strategic footprint in Southeast Europe amid shifting security priorities
From defence and cybersecurity to energy and critical infrastructure, Israel is becoming an increasingly important partner for several Balkan countries
Israel is steadily expanding its strategic partnerships across Southeast Europe as governments in the region accelerate defence modernisation, strengthen cybersecurity and seek greater resilience against an increasingly volatile security environment.
While each country is pursuing its own national priorities, cooperation with Israel has broadened well beyond defence procurement to encompass joint industrial projects, military training, technology transfer, artificial intelligence, energy security and the protection of critical infrastructure. The trend has gathered pace since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and successive crises in the Middle East exposed the growing importance of advanced military technologies, resilient infrastructure and integrated security capabilities.
A telephone conversation between Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week offered the latest indication of that broader development. According to Serbian public broadcaster RTS, the two leaders discussed developments in the Middle East, regional security challenges and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The exchange reflects the growing strategic importance of Southeast Europe, a region increasingly positioned at the crossroads of NATO’s southeastern flank, the Black Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe’s evolving energy and defence networks.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, combined with successive crises in the Middle East, has accelerated efforts by governments across the region to modernise their armed forces, strengthen critical infrastructure and improve resilience against hybrid threats. Air defence, unmanned systems, cybersecurity, electronic warfare and the protection of strategic infrastructure have become priorities for many countries.
At the same time, the European Union is reinforcing its defence industrial base and expanding financial support for joint capability development, making regional defence cooperation both strategically and economically more attractive.
Against this backdrop, Israel has emerged as an increasingly important partner. The country combines operational military experience with an advanced defence and technology sector, while Southeast Europe offers access to European markets, NATO allies and countries investing heavily in defence modernisation.
As a result, cooperation has expanded beyond traditional arms procurement to include technology transfer, joint production, professional training, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and the protection of critical infrastructure.
Serbia illustrates this shift.
Reuters reported in April that Belgrade was planning to jointly produce combat drones with Israel as part of a broader programme to modernise the Serbian Armed Forces and strengthen its domestic defence industry.
The report noted that Serbia had already purchased Israeli-made PULS multiple rocket launch systems and Hermes unmanned aerial vehicles produced by Elbit Systems, following a broader 2025 agreement valued at $1.6 billion covering long-range missiles, drones and electronic warfare systems.
These acquisitions form part of Serbia’s long-term effort to diversify defence procurement while strengthening domestic industrial capabilities. Israel has become not only a supplier of military equipment but also a technology partner in areas such as unmanned systems, electronic warfare and precision-strike capabilities.
Elsewhere in the region, cooperation has developed along different lines.
In Greece, defence ties with Israel have broadened into long-term cooperation in military training and technology. Under an intergovernmental agreement, Elbit Systems is establishing the International Flight Training Center at the 120 Air Training Wing in Kalamata. According to the company, the project includes ten M-346 advanced trainer aircraft, simulation systems and comprehensive training services designed to transform Kalamata into a regional pilot-training hub.
Athens has also sought closer cooperation with Israel on emerging security technologies.
Following talks with Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz in January, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said the two countries were expanding cooperation on counter-drone technologies and cybersecurity. Reuters has also reported that Greece approved the purchase of 36 Israeli PULS rocket systems worth approximately €650–700 million, while discussions continue on a future multi-layered air and missile defence system.
Romania has followed a similar path as security concerns in the Black Sea region have intensified.
In June, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced a contract worth around €2 billion to supply Romania with SPYDER air defence systems. The agreement includes launchers, interceptors, radar systems, training and technical support, strengthening the air defence capabilities of a NATO member bordering Ukraine.
Although each country pursues different defence priorities, these agreements reflect common demand for advanced air defence, unmanned systems, electronic warfare and cybersecurity capabilities.
The expansion of Israel’s regional engagement is not limited to conventional defence.
Cooperation increasingly extends into dual-use technologies, where the distinction between national security and civilian infrastructure has become less clear. Digital resilience, telecommunications security and the protection of critical infrastructure have become central elements of many bilateral partnerships.
Beyond defence, Israel has also strengthened its role in regional energy and technology cooperation.
The trilateral partnership between Greece, Cyprus and Israel has evolved into a broader platform covering energy security, electricity interconnections, innovation and digital technologies. The joint declaration adopted at the 10th Trilateral Summit in December 2025 called for deeper cooperation on natural gas projects, renewable energy, the Great Sea Interconnector, scientific research, innovation and artificial intelligence.
These initiatives reflect a broader shift in regional security thinking. Defence, cybersecurity, energy infrastructure and technological innovation are becoming increasingly interconnected, with governments viewing resilience across these sectors as part of the same strategic framework.
The pace and scope of cooperation nevertheless differ across Southeast Europe. National political priorities, relationships with Turkey and Arab states, existing security partnerships and differing defence requirements continue to shape each country’s approach.
The full article by EUalive’s partner IBNA – here.
Caption: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar (L) and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric speaks to the media during a press conference following their meeting in Belgrade, Serbia, 30 September 2025. The Israeli foreign minister is on an official visit to Serbia. EPA/ANDREJ CUKIC
Updated: July 9, 2026 - 05:27
