Greece’s negotiations with Israel for the ‘Iron Dome’ air defense system, which will cost 2 billion euros, brought the ever-growing defense budget of the Athens administration to the agenda. Government sources briefing the Greek media said that Greece’s efforts to modernize its armed forces after the long debt crisis will cost a lot. The “Iron Dome” air defense system, which is part of these initiatives, will consist of anti-aircraft guns and a missile defense dome. It is stated that the defense systems will be exactly the same as Israel’s Iron Dome and other systems that stop short- and long-range missiles launched during the ongoing war in Gaza and Lebanon.
THEY WATCHED TURKEY
In the comment in Kathimerini, it was stated that the Athens administration turned to establishing an air defense system after Turkey’s “Steel Dome” initiative.Greece is willing to invest in defense systems to maintain competition with its NATO ally and historical rival, Türkiye. Türkiye is also developing its own air defense systems despite some improvements in relations” It was said. A source with knowledge of the matter in the media outlet said, “The plan is to create a multi-layered anti-aircraft and anti-drone system,” in a statement he made after a closed-door meeting with Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias.
HIGH COST
Another government official who gave information to the media confirmed that they were trying to make an agreement with Israel and said that Greece should spend 12.8 billion euros by 2035 to modernize its armed forces. The air defense systems are part of a 10-year military procurement plan that includes Athens purchasing 40 new F-35 fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles from the United States and four Belharra frigates and Rafale jets from France. As a matter of fact, Defense Minister Dendias said before the briefing he gave the previous day, “Our effort is to ensure a rapid transition of our armed forces to the 21st century.” he said.
SAVINGS IN BARRACKS
Greece, which took steps to modernize its army after the long economic crisis, has to bear great costs. The country’s defense ministry has prepared a comprehensive report on the modernization of the army. While modernization is aimed in four groups under the headings of ‘land’, ‘air’, ‘sea’ and ‘cyber defence’, it was stated that in 2025, barracks that are dysfunctional and bring additional financial burden will be closed and digital opportunities will be evaluated in defense.
MONEY IS NOT ENOUGH
In a defense analysis published in Kathimerini, it is stated that savings can be made in some weapon expenditures that put a burden on the budget. While it was stated that the period between 2024-27 will be difficult in defense expenditures, it was stated that the renewal project of “M270” multi-purpose rocket launcher systems may be suspended. It is stated that this project will cost 1 billion euros. In the analysis, it is noted that some corvettes, for which 2 billion euros must be spent, may be abandoned. Among the suspended defense expenditures is the renewal of the infrastructure facilities of the naval base in Crete. It is stated that this project costs 190 million euros. It is reported that the cost of the 5th generation F-35 warplanes, which has been agreed with the USA and will be delivered to Greece within 9 years, is apart from these.
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