Greece to Develop Iron Dome-Like Missile Defense System, Drawing Lessons from Israel and Ukraine

Greece has announced plans to develop a missile defense system similar to Israel's Iron Dome, aiming to bolster its military capabilities and improve air defense in response to the evolving security landscape in the region. The decision comes as Greece seeks to protect itself from potential missile and drone threats, particularly from Turkey.

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias noted the need to construct an "anti-aircraft and anti-drone dome" to shield the country, drawing lessons from Israel's successful defense against Iran's drone and missile attacks and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The development of such a sophisticated system is anticipated to be expensive and time-consuming, requiring a cross-party, non-partisan approach to ensure continuity in its creation and implementation.

The government and the Ministry of Defense are urged to brief opposition party leaders on the long-term planning and need for this national defense effort, which will require professionalism, consistency, and continuity on both the scientific/production and political levels to be realized as soon as possible. The system is designed to strike ground targets such as military bases and is described as a "long-range, air-to-ground" missile.

Why this matters: The development of an Iron Dome-like missile defense system in Greece highlights the country's efforts to modernize its armed forces and enhance national security in the face of regional threats. The lessons drawn from Israel's experience and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine underscore the importance of advanced air defense capabilities in today's complex security environment.

Israel used a similar "Rampage" missile in a recent strike on a military base near Isfahan, Iran, which was intended to show Tehran that it could evade its air defense systems undetected. The UK's Royal Air Force is also considering buying the advanced Israeli weapon to replenish its missile stocks after donating many of its own Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine. As Greece moves forward with its plans, the country's economy is surging, outperforming its Eurozone partners, despite some key challenges ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Greece plans to develop an "anti-aircraft and anti-drone dome" like Israel's Iron Dome.
• The system aims to protect Greece from potential missile and drone threats, especially from Turkey.
• The development will be expensive and time-consuming, requiring cross-party support and continuity.
• The system is designed to strike ground targets and is described as a "long-range, air-to-ground" missile.
• Greece's economy is surging, outperforming its Eurozone partners, despite some key challenges ahead.