Greece and Israel have signed an arms deal for a $3.5 billion multi-layered air defense system, the largest defense agreement between the two countries to date. Analysts say Greece is increasingly concerned about the threat posed by a US-Israel military operation against Iran, especially given Iran's attacks on US allies in the Gulf region. Wolfgang Putztey, a security policy analyst who previously served as Austria's defense attaché to Greece, stated that it's important to recognize that Greece hosts US naval bases that could become future targets for Iran. This defense system may be a necessary capability for Greece and other European countries, given that Iran also threatens them. Putztey noted that while the US Patriot air defense system is highly favored, some European countries have turned to Israel's Slinger, which is cheaper and more effective. The US itself also faces a severe shortage of Patriot systems. In May, Switzerland was informed that the delivery of Patriot systems would be delayed and more expensive due to the war with Iran.
Furthermore, analysts say Greece is also wary of Turkey's growing drone capabilities. Turkey and Greece have a long-standing maritime border dispute, including control of disputed areas in the Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean. Tensions between Turkey and Israel are escalating over Israel's genocide in Gaza. This is certainly one reason why Greece will deploy the first components of its Achilles Aegis system in the Aegean Sea. Turkey has not yet responded to this new defense agreement. The growing military ties between Greece, Israel, and Cyprus (with which Turkey also has territorial tensions) have previously drawn negative reactions from Turkey.
