Greece is currently in progress to develop its own advanced air defense system, similar to Israel’s Iron Dome, as part of a broader strategy to modernize its military. This system is expected to be a multi-layer defense network aimed at countering short- and long-range missile threats, including drones, and will be designed to strengthen Greece’s defense capabilities amidst ongoing tensions with its eastern neighbor, Turkey.
The deal could be worth around €2 billion ($2.11 billion) and is part of a larger effort by Greece to invest in its military following the country’s recovery from a prolonged debt crisis. This is in line with Greece’s broader goal of spending €12.8 billion by 2035 to modernize its armed forces, which also includes plans to acquire up to 40 F-35 fighter jets, drones, and French-built frigates and Rafale jets.
Greece and other European countries, such as Germany and Finland, have sought Israeli air defense systems to bolster their military capabilities, further highlighting the demand for such advanced technologies. Through these initiatives, both Greece and Israel aim to enhance their defense collaboration and ensure their armed forces are prepared for modern threats.
Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, IRON DOME is the most deployed air defense system, has intercepted 5000+
rockets with an over 90% success rate – saving lives since 2011. IRON DOME is the only multi-mission, combat-proven system capable of simultaneous protection against a broad spectrum of increasingly diverse threats – including air breathing as well as SHORAD, C-RAM and PGM threats – in high-density salvos, day and night, and in all weather conditions. Continuously evolving, the IRON DOME Family – includes the C-DOME naval version – as well as the mobile I-DOME– enables an end-to-end air defense solution, protecting land, maneuvering, and maritime forces as well as strategic assets and civilian population centers. IRON DOME can function as a standalone system or as part of a multilayer air defense system.
The Iron Dome system has proven highly effective in intercepting short-range missile threats. The Greek version of this system will likely feature similar technology for intercepting both missiles and drones. Additionally, Israel has other systems like David’s Sling and Arrow for longer-range threats, which are more expensive but provide comprehensive defense coverage. The development of these systems reflects the growing defense concerns in Europe, particularly with rising geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts.
The European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) is a significant project aimed at creating a unified, ground-based air defense system for Europe, integrating capabilities to defend against various airborne threats, including ballistic missiles. The initiative was launched in response to growing concerns about Europe’s ability to defend against missile attacks, particularly in light of Russia’s missile strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure during the 2022–2023 period. It was proposed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in August 2022, as a way to bolster European defense capabilities and counter threats like the Russian 9K720 Iskander missile system.