Greece Expands Defense Cooperation with Israel While Seeking Broader Middle East Ties

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that Greece will move forward with a strategic defense partnership with Israel that includes a €3 billion (? $3.5 billion) agreement for Israel to construct an air-defense shield on Greek territory. The same statement confirmed that Greece expects delivery of its first 20 F-35 multirole combat aircraft in late 2028, with an option to acquire an additional 20 jets.

Associated Press

Mitsotakis linked the deepening Israel-Greece cooperation to shared concerns about Turkey, noting that both nations view Turkish actions in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean as a security challenge. He highlighted that Greece is one of only five NATO members that spends at least 3.5 % of its GDP on core defense, a level driven by “almost constant tensions” with Turkey and disputes over maritime zones.

Associated Press

Mitsotakis emphasized his “friendly rapport” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing the partnership as part of a decade-long trend of expanding defense, security, and energy collaboration. When asked about U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in selling F-35s to Turkey, Mitsotakis said Greece will not dictate U.S. policy but noted that legal obstacles remain because Turkey is sanctioned for purchasing Russia’s S-400 system. He also signaled plans to visit Saudi Arabia soon and confirmed an upcoming trip to Cairo for talks with President Abdel-Fatah el-Sissi. Mitsotakis added that the recently concluded Mecca Joint Defense Agreement among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey does not affect Greece’s relations with Riyadh.

Times of IsraelAssociated Press

• €3 billion contract for Israeli air-defense shield.

Times of Israel

• 3.5 % of Greece’s GDP allocated to core defense, matching a small group of NATO allies.

Associated Press

• First 20 F-35s slated for delivery in late 2028, with an option for 20 more.

Times of Israel

• Greece has maintained a Patriot air-defense battery in Saudi Arabia since 2021 and has used those missiles four times since July to intercept drones and ballistic missiles allegedly launched from Yemen toward Saudi oil refineries.

Times of Israel

Mitsotakis’s agenda includes a near-future visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss bilateral security cooperation and a scheduled meeting in Cairo with President el-Sissi, underscoring Greece’s intent to broaden ties across the Middle East while solidifying its strategic alliance with Israel.

Times of Israel