Reuters reports that Greece is in talks with Israel to develop an anti-aircraft and missile defense dome (similar to the Israeli-made Iron Dome), citing sources from the Greek defense ministry.
“The plan is to create a multi-layer anti-aircraft and anti-drone system,” according to a source knowledgeable with the issue, Reuters noted. “We are in discussions with Israel,” the source said.
A second official confirmed the scale of the potential deal, adding that Greece needs to spend 12.8 billion euros by 2035 to upgrade its armed forces.
The air defenses are part of Athens’ 10-year military purchasing plan that includes acquiring up to 40 new US-made F-35 fighter jets and drones from the United States, along with four French-made Belharra frigates and Rafale fighter planes, also from France.
Greek Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias earlier on Thursday briefed a relevant parliamentary committee on the plan to close 137 military training camps nationwide as part of the country’s goal to further modernize and reinforce its armed forces.
