Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled the ambitious plan in parliament on April 2, calling it “the most drastic transformation in the history of Greece’s armed forces.” He stressed that global instability and shifting warfare types demand a new strategic posture.

Tensions are already rising in Turkey. Ankara reacted angrily to recent military parade chants in Athens referencing Cyprus—long a sore point in Greek-Turkish relations. Turkish officials demanded urgent explanations from Greece, viewing the parade rhetoric as provocative.

Meanwhile, Israel has strengthened its defense ties with Greece. On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted Mitsotakis in Jerusalem. In a one-on-one meeting followed by an expanded delegation session, Netanyahu highlighted the shared values and historic ties between the nations, saying: “Two blue-and-white flags come together here—two ancient peoples whose roots helped shape free civilization, beginning in Athens and Jerusalem.”

The Greek defense plan, first outlined by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias in late 2024, includes a comprehensive Iron Dome-style system developed in cooperation with Israel. Estimated to cost around €2 billion, it will protect the entire Greek territory from the Aegean Sea to inland regions.

In addition to advanced air defenses, the plan includes closing 33 outdated military bases—with 132 closures expected by 2030—and building integrated systems to counter drones and all-range missile threats. The goal: reduce Greece’s reliance on manned fighter jets and bolster its autonomous defense capabilities.

While most of the Arab world has distanced itself from Israeli defense partnerships, Greece’s embrace of Israeli technology—and its firm stance against Turkish influence—marks a significant strategic shift in the region.