“We are in discussions with Israel.” Greece wants its own 'Iron Dome'

This project is expected to cost some two billion euros out of the 12.8 billion that Athens intends to devote to the modernization of its armed forces by 2035.

Greece is in talks with Israel to develop its own air and missile defense system inspired by Israel's “Iron Dome”, for an estimated amount of two billion euros, Greek officials said on Thursday.

The Iron Dome is mainly used by Israel to intercept short-range rockets fired from Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, using missile batteries coupled with radar that detects a rocket as soon as it is launched and calculates its trajectory. This system was developed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It was designed to destroy rockets within a radius of 4 to 70 kilometers.

Two billion euros

Greece, which has purchased 24 Rafale multirole combat aircraft from French Dassault Aviation in recent years, intends to continue the modernization of its armed forces in order not to be left behind by Turkey, a NATO ally but regional rival, which develops its own air defense means.

“The project involves developing a multi-layered anti-aircraft and anti-drone system,” a source familiar with the matter told Reuters after a closed-door meeting with Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias.

“We are in discussions with Israel on this subject,” she said.

A second Greek official confirmed that the project should cost some two billion euros out of the 12.8 billion that Athens intends to devote to the modernization of its armed forces by 2035.

Rafale and F-35

In addition to the air defense system and the Rafale, Greece plans to acquire 40 F-35 stealth fighter jets from Lockheed Martin and American drones, as well as four frigates built by the French Naval Group.

“We are working to ensure a rapid transition of our armed forces into the 21st century,” Nikos Dendias said.

Greece currently uses American Patriot systems and older Russian S-300 systems to protect its airspace.

Israeli anti-aircraft shields are of increasing interest to European countries. Germany will equip itself with the Arrow 3the Israeli anti-missile system. This device was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) with Boeing. It is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at altitudes of more than 100 kilometers and with a range of up to 2,400 kilometers.