Greece will buy an “Iron Dome” from Israel. Defense spending doubles

The budget for 2025 foresees almost double the expenses to modernize the country’s defense, including the purchase of an anti-aircraft defense system similar to Israel’s — which costs two billion euros.

Greece is preparing to almost double its defense spending next year, as foreseen in the 2025 budget approved by the Greek parliament last Sunday.

The Ministry of Defense’s expenses will increase from the 3.6 billion euros approved for this year to 6.1 billion euros. In addition to investments in combat jets, frigates, submarines and smart weapons, the purchase of an air defense shield – or a “iron dome”similar to the Israeli anti-aircraft system – to prevent drone and missile attacks.

“Today, Greece is charting its own path in terms of stability and growth in a international environment of instability“, declared Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Sunday, welcoming the support of opposition parties for the measure.

Nikos Dendias, defense minister, said on Saturday in parliament that spending is essential due to the challenges the country faces, especially from the Türkiyehistorical rival.

“Are these expenses excessive? Anyone who is against this needs to explain what criteria they are considering. Is the country threatened? And where does the main threat to the country come from?” he asked, highlighting that Turkey spends 26.8 billion euros on weapons.

A Greece allocates around 3% of its annual economic production to defense, more than most European Union countriessomething that is mainly justified by the history of tension with Turkey.

“Compared to 2019, by 2025, health spending will have increased by 74% and defense spending by 73%, highlighting the government’s priorities,” said Economy Minister Kostis Hatzidakis at the end of November when presenting the budget to parliament.

System capable of intercepting drones

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Athens has relied on a common European air defense system against aircraftenemy missiles and drones. Founded by Germany, the European shield includes 21 countries, including Greece. Now, the country intends to update its defenses.

According to , Greece is in advanced negotiations to acquire an Israeli anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense system for 2 billion euros. The system is capable of intercepting drones – much smaller than rockets, which fly low and much slower.

Israel’s famous air defense system proved crucial in intercepting most of Israeli territory in early October. The Dome forms the first line of defense, intercepting short-range rockets and artillery shells. It uses a radar that detects and calculates the trajectory of approaching missiles and intercepts those that pose a threat.

Created in 2006 at the time of the conflict in Lebanon with Hezbollah – which killed dozens of Israelis through air strikes – Israel has 10 copies of this system, considered one of the best air defense systems at a global level.

The Greeks are also negotiating the purchase of 36 Israeli rocket artillery systemswhich should cost up to 700 million eurosaccording to the newspaper.

Athens has drawn up a multi-billion euro procurement plan for the next ten years, which also includes the acquisition of up to 40 new F-35 fighters from the United States and four French frigates, says the report.

The focus of the new defense systems is Greece’s northeastern borders with Turkey and its islands in the Aegean Sea. The two countries, NATO allies, have long been at odds over issues such as the limits of continental shelves, energy resources and territorial disputes on the island of Cyprus.