Greece and Israel are moving toward closer defence cooperation. Turkey’s aggressive posture in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean strengthens their shared view of regional security.
A new Policy Brief by the U.S. think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), written by Justin Leopold-Cohen and Ryan Brobst, describes the shifting dynamics between Greece, Israel and Turkey. It also highlights growing U.S. interest.
Escalating Turkish aggression at sea and in the air
The report notes a sharp escalation in Turkish activity at sea and in the air. It cites warning shots fired by the Hellenic Coast Guard on 18 November at Turkish fishing vessels that refused to leave Greek territorial waters. It also cites the entry of armed Turkish F-16s into Athens’ FIR in September and another violation of Greek airspace by a Turkish F-16 in October. Meanwhile, Ankara increased its political support for Hamas after the 7 October attacks in Israel, widening the gap with Tel Aviv.
Defense procurement, missile systems and the ‘Achilles Shield’
Athens is pressing ahead with a €27 billion defence programme for 2025–2035 to strengthen deterrence against Turkey. According to the FDD, Greece is negotiating the purchase of 36 PULS launchers from Israel and is examining the integration of Israeli systems into the new multi-layered air defence “Achilles Shield”. Greece already operates Heron, Orbiter-3 and SPIKE NLOS systems. Institutional cooperation also expands after the 2021 agreement to create an Israeli-run Hellenic Air Force training centre in Kalamata.
The FDD stresses the strategic advantage created by the F-35 fighter jet. Israel already flies the aircraft. Greece will receive its first jets in 2028. Turkey remains excluded from the programme because of its S-400 purchase.
Diplomatic architecture between the U.S., Greece, Israel and Cyprus
The report points to a wider diplomatic structure linking the United States, Greece, Israel and Cyprus. Washington increased its military presence on Greek soil. It acts as a counterweight to Russia and as indirect deterrence to Turkey. The 3+1 partnership (Greece–Israel–Cyprus + U.S.), energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean and U.S. support for supplying LNG to Ukraine via Greece form key elements of this framework.
The FDD recommends faster U.S. approval for Israeli arms sales to Greece that contain American components and stronger U.S. involvement in the Iniochos military exercise, including encouraging participation from Saudi Arabia.
A shared objective: countering Turkish aggression
According to the Policy Brief, the expanding Greece–Israel partnership, coordinated with the U.S. and Cyprus, creates a new regional balance that limits Turkey’s room for aggression. Deeper defence integration, frequent joint exercises and shared energy diplomacy are shaping a new security landscape in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Also read: Zygi–Vasiliko LPG project: Cyprus Audit Office finds delays, irregularities and soaring cost
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