Israel will construct a multi-layered defense system in Greece to counter ballistic missiles, air attacks, and UAVs, in what defense officials describe as one of the largest defense export deals in the country's history. Defense Minister Israel Katz framed the agreement against 'actors with hegemonic ambitions seeking to destabilize the region,' a remark widely interpreted as directed at Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Israel has announced what it describes as one of the largest defense export deals in its history, agreeing to build a multi-layered air and missile defense array in Greece. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that the system will protect against ballistic missiles, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. He framed the cooperation against 'actors with hegemonic ambitions seeking to destabilize the region' — a line widely understood to refer to Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The announcement follows a series of Israeli-Greek defense agreements. As The Zioneer reported on July 26, Greece formally approved the $4 billion 'Achilles Shield' air defense system, developed by Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries and set to be operational within 35 months. That deal, along with earlier Greek procurement of Israeli drones with armed strike capabilities, has cemented a deepening alliance between Jerusalem and Athens.
The Katz statement comes amid heightened Israeli concerns over Turkish military modernization. As The Zioneer has previously reported, Israeli analysts warn that the potential sale of F-35 stealth fighters to Ankara could erode the Israel Air Force's qualitative edge in the Eastern Mediterranean.
- StrongGreece approves $4 billion 'Achilles Shield' air defense deal from Israel
- DevelopingKatz says Israel, Greece committed to deepening defense cooperation amid regional threats
- StrongGreece advances major security procurement from Israel, including armed drone capability upgrade
- StrongNetanyahu tells Fox News: Erdogan threatens Israel, Greece, Cyprus, destabilizes region; should not get F-35
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