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Greece and Israel on Tuesday reaffirmed their shared commitment to further developing bilateral ties and defense cooperation, following a visit to Athens by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.
In a joint statement, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said bilateral defense cooperation spans a wide range of areas, including military exercises, research, innovation, defense technology and industry.
Dendias said the two sides also discussed cooperation on modern methods used in 21st-century conflicts, including unmanned platforms such as swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles and groups of unmanned underwater vehicles.
He said Greece aims to move from being a buyer of defense systems to becoming a joint producer or producer of relatively low-cost innovative products, drawing on Israel’s experience.
Katz said his visit marked an important milestone in what he described as a deep alliance between Israel and Greece, adding that his priority was to further strengthen military and regional cooperation.
Separately, Israel offered to share operational experience gained from its use of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets with Greece, as the two countries seek to deepen strategic cooperation amid growing instability in the Middle East.
In an interview with Kathimerini, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Nadav Shoshani said Israel was ready to share knowledge acquired from operating the aircraft across multiple missions since Oct. 7, 2023.
He said Israel has accumulated extensive regional experience with the F-35 and would share it with Greece.
Greece is expected to receive its first F-35 aircraft in the United States before the end of 2028, with plans to host them at a military facility in Andravida in early 2030.
Greek pilots have already gained experience through joint training with Israeli forces, who are also expected to take part in this year’s Iniochos air exercise.
Shoshani said Greece has shown interest in Israeli tactics, particularly in suppressing enemy air defenses and striking critical targets, noting Israel’s experience in such missions.
Israel has become a major arms supplier to Greece, providing advanced missiles, drones, and electronic warfare systems. The Israeli military also regularly uses Greek territory for training and exercises.
In recent days, the Hellenic Navy has begun receiving Israeli-made Spike precision-guided missile systems, which significantly enhance long-range strike capabilities.
Seventeen Spike systems have already been delivered to the Greek Army, equipping motorized units in Evros and the Eastern Aegean islands.
The Navy is receiving two versions of the system: the naval Spike MLS, to be installed on gunboats, and the Spike ER2 for Mark V special operations vessels. Initial installations are planned for four gunboats operating in the Eastern Aegean.
Greek officials said the systems will act as a force multiplier, allowing vessels to strike targets beyond the horizon with speed and precision.
Training for naval personnel is expected to begin following installation, with joint elements involving the Army.
The growing defense cooperation comes as Greece, Israel and Cyprus strengthen coordination amid regional tensions involving Iran, competition between Türkiye and Israel in Syria, and renewed activity by Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The three countries signed a revised military cooperation memorandum covering 2026 earlier this month.
Israeli Defense Minister Katz said that any attempt to impose control by force or undermine sovereign states would face a determined alliance capable of defending itself, as Athens and Jerusalem continue to deepen strategic ties in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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