Israel will aid Greece in countering military drone swarms

Israel and Greece Forge Anti-Drone Defense Partnership Amid Mediterranean Security Concerns

Israel has committed to assisting Greece in developing advanced technology to counter military drone swarms, marking a significant expansion of defense cooperation between the two Mediterranean allies. The agreement emerged during high-level talks in Athens on Tuesday between Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and his Israeli counterpart Israel Katz.

“We agreed to exchange views and expertise so that we can counter unmanned platforms — specifically swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles and groups of unmanned underwater vehicles,” Dendias announced during a joint press appearance with Katz.

The collaboration builds upon a broader defense pact signed in December between Greece, Israel, and Cyprus. Israel is already helping Greece establish a comprehensive air defense shield as part of this expanding security partnership.

Katz emphasized the strategic importance of the relationship, describing it as “an anchor of stability in the Mediterranean,” a region facing increasing geopolitical tensions and security challenges.

The focus on drone swarm technology reflects the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare. Military analysts note that drone swarms—coordinated groups of small, cost-effective unmanned craft—have become increasingly prominent in recent conflicts. These systems can be deployed for reconnaissance missions, defensive operations, and to overwhelm opposing military systems through sheer numbers and coordinated attacks.

Greece’s investment in this technology comes amid its ongoing territorial and maritime disputes with Turkey, another NATO member. Despite their shared alliance membership, the two nations remain at odds over boundaries in the Aegean Sea and rights to potential energy resources beneath the eastern Mediterranean.

The Greek government has maintained relatively high defense spending compared to the size of its economy, allocating approximately 2.8% of its GDP to defense in recent years—above the NATO guideline of 2%. This spending pattern reflects Athens’ perception of regional security threats and its determination to maintain military readiness.

December’s trilateral agreement between Greece, Israel, and Cyprus outlined an ambitious security cooperation framework that includes joint military exercises, specialized operations training, and regular strategic consultations. The partnership extends beyond purely military dimensions to encompass maritime security and energy initiatives, highlighting the interconnected nature of security and economic interests in the region.

Energy development has become a particularly significant aspect of eastern Mediterranean cooperation, with Israel’s substantial natural gas discoveries potentially reshaping regional energy dynamics. The EastMed pipeline project, though facing challenges, represents one potential avenue for transporting Israeli and Cypriot gas to European markets via Greece.

Security experts view the strengthening Israel-Greece partnership as part of a broader realignment of regional alliances in recent years. Both nations have sought to diversify their security partnerships while maintaining their respective relationships with traditional allies.

The emphasis on countering drone technology specifically addresses a growing concern among military planners worldwide. Recent conflicts, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East, have demonstrated the increasing deployment of unmanned systems in warfare, forcing nations to rapidly adapt their defense strategies.

For Greece, the collaboration with Israel—a global leader in defense technology—provides access to cutting-edge expertise that could prove crucial in addressing emerging security challenges. For Israel, the partnership strengthens its position in the Mediterranean and expands its network of regional allies during a period of significant geopolitical flux.

As implementation of this agreement moves forward, observers will be watching closely to see how quickly the anti-drone capabilities materialize and what impact they might have on the broader security landscape of the eastern Mediterranean.