Greece acquires new generation air defense

Amid heightened instability in the Middle East, Athens is pushing ahead with negotiations with Israeli defence firms, having secured initial parliamentary approval this week. The next step is expected shortly via the KYSEA, as talks with Israeli counterparts are understood to be in an advanced stage.

According to officials familiar with the process, final contracts could be signed by late May or early June, with first system deliveries projected within 12 to 18 months. The programme is estimated at €3 billion and is being structured as a government-to-government agreement.

Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said the system reflects lessons drawn from recent conflicts, describing it as a “protective dome” offering layered responses to aircraft, drones and missile threats. He added that Greek industry would participate in production with a minimum share of 25%.

Israeli systems at the core

Negotiations are taking place across three parallel tracks with leading Israeli companies, including Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries.

Talks with Rafael focus on the SPYDER air defence system (ranges of 15–40 km), intended to replace legacy OSA-AK and TOR-M1 systems,, and the David’s Sling interceptor, designed to counter long-range and ballistic threats and expected to succeed the S-300 platform.

Discussions with IAI center on the Barak MX system, featuring missiles with ranges from 35 km to 150 km, set to form the backbone of the new shield and replace older Hawk systems.

IAI subsidiary ELTA is also involved, offering the EL/M-2084 multi-mission radar, capable of tracking up to 1,200 targets at distances of up to 475 km.

A domestically developed command-and-control (C4I) system will integrate all components, marking a shift from fragmented air defence assets to a unified architecture under Greece’s long-term €30 billion defence plan for 2025–2036.

Expanding capabilities

Athens is also reportedly considering the inclusion of IAI’s LORA ballistic missile system, with a range of up to 430 km, which would significantly enhance long-range strike capabilities. This would complement the planned acquisition of 36 PULS multiple launch rocket systems from Elbit Systems, valued at around €650 million.

Domestic industry role

The programme is expected to provide a substantial boost to Greece’s defence industry, with Israeli firms already pursuing partnerships and co-production agreements with local companies.

IAI, which owns Intracom Defense, has moved to expand its footprint in Greece, including capital investment and new production plans. It has signed memoranda of understanding with Hellenic Defense Systems for potential Barak production lines, as well as agreements involving the Hellenic Defence Innovation ecosystem and several private firms.

Broader rearmament push

The “Hellenic Dome” forms part of a wider military modernisation programme approved by parliament, with total spending of roughly €5 billion in the latest round. This includes:

• infrastructure upgrades for F-35 deployment,

• modernisation of F-16 Block 50 aircraft to Viper standard,

• upgrades to MEKO-class frigates,

• and ongoing aircraft support programmes.

Taken together, the initiatives signal a strategic shift towards integrated, high-tech defence capabilities, with Greece seeking to align itself with evolving warfare requirements and regional security challenges.