Introduction
Israel and Greece are strong collaborators in aspects of military, intelligence, economy and culture. They are part of the “Energy Triangle”, that refers to the extraction of gas from Israel and Cyprus to Europe through Greece. Greece and Israel maintain strong military cooperation around joint army exercises and the share of intelligence information. In 2026 the Greek parliament approved arms deals with Israel worth more than €3 billion.
Israel – Greece Relations
Israel and Greece consider each other as strong collaborators in the aspects of military, intelligence, economy and culture.
Both countries are part of the “Energy Triangle”, which refers to the extraction of oil and gas from both Israel and Cyprus, which will be delivered to mainland Europe with a pipeline through Greece, signed by an agreement between the three countries in January 2020.[1]European Security and Defence : Military Cooperation between Israel, Greece and Cyprus In 2022 foreign ministers of Israel, Greece and Cyprus hold a trilateral meeting in Athens. Israel’s foreign minister declared after the meeting that Israel, Greece and Cyprus will continue to cooperate on natural gas projects, including exporting gas to Europe.[2]Azernews : Israel, Greece, Cyprus agree to continue energy cooperation
In January 2022, the European Union has earmarked 657 million euros ($736 million) for the construction of a 2,000-megawatt undersea electricity cable that will link the power grids of Israel, Cyprus and Greece.[3]Times of Israel, EU to fund construction of Israel, Cyprus, Greece electricity cable link, 27.01.2022
The two countries are part of another huge project, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which will connect India via the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel, with Greece and Europe.[4]Naftemporiki, A period of significant potential in economic ties between Greece and Israel, 23.01.2025[5]India News Network, India and EU to take concrete steps to make the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) a reality, 28.02.2025
Trade between Israel and Greece increased in recent years. Greece is on track to become Israel’s primary trade partner, amid Turkish boycott on economic ties with the country. According to initial estimates, trade between the two nations is expected to triple, surging from $1.3 billion in 2024 to approximately $4 billion annually.[6]Ynet, Greece poised to replace Turkey as Israel’s closest trade ally, 23.01.2025
Military Relations
Greece and Israel have developed strategic ties in the areas of defense and energy, while ongoing cooperation between the two countries’ military leaderships in exchanging information on potential threats and carrying out joint exercises.
In April 2014 the Israeli Army and Ministry of Defense opened a military attaché office in Greece. Greece is one of only three countries that signed a “Status of Forces Agreement” (SOFA) with Israel. The agreement enables Israel in hosting Greek military forces in its territory or stationing Israeli military forces in the territory of Greece, as part of the military agreements and comprehensive security arrangements between the two countries.[7]Jerusalem Post. Israel, Greece sign status of forces agreement, 19.07.2015
On September 2017 the Hellenic Navy and Israeli Navy signed an agreement to commit further cooperation in their shared security and strategic goals.[8]IDF official website : Military cooperation 2017 Israel Greece
In November 2017, a meeting of Defense Minister Panos Kammenos with his Israeli counterpart, Avigdor Lieberman occurred. At the meeting, the decision was made to further expand the cooperation between Greece and Israel in the military sector.[9]Tsipras – Netanyahu: An “excellent alliance”…
There is also documentation of Greek police delegations visiting Israel with the key focus of learning methods of security at ports and other transport hubs.[10]Tovima : Visit of Greek officers of EL.AS. and Coast Guard in Israel
In December 2020 it was reported that Greece and Israel have finalized an agreement to open a new international flight training school in Kalamata, Greece. Elbit set up the flight school that includes a combat simulator called the Mission Training Center (MTC) similar to the one it provided to the Israeli Air Force in 2013. The deal will be carried out over 22 years.[11]Israel Defense, Elbit planning to set up flight training school for Greek Air Force, 29.12.2022 The deal, worth $1.65 Billion was finaly signed on April 18th, 2021.[12]Israeli-Greek Naval, Air Force and Defence Industry Cooperation In October 2022 the international flight school officially opened in Kalamata.[13]Intl Flight Training Center in Kalamata, Greece – Taking Off
June 2022: the Directorate of International Defense Cooperation of the Israeli Ministry of Defense (SIBAT) and the General Directorate of Defense Equipment and Investments of the Ministry of Defense (GDAEE) of Greece held a B2B (Business-to-Business) seminar in Athens, Greece. Representatives of 15 Israeli companies and 35 Greek companies attended with the aim of promoting and expanding defense industrial cooperation.[14]Huffingtonpost : Israel – Greece business seminar on defense cooperation and equipment
June 2022: The General Chief of staff of the Hellenic National Defense made another official visit to Israel. He met among others the Israeli Defense Minister Benny Ganz[15]Twitter: official visit of Hellenic National Defense General Chief of Staff in Israel and the Israeli chief of staff, Aviv Kochavi.[16]Twitter : Official Visist of General Chief of staff He visited among others the drone unit in the Air Force base Palmachim[17]Twitter : Palmachim visit, the Israeli Navy base Atlit[18]Twitter : Atlit visit, the Intelligence unit 9900[19]Twitter : Intelligence Unit Visit
September 2022: Greece army leaders participated in Israel for IDF innovation conference.[20]Israel Defense, Military leaders of US, Morocco and other nations in Israel for IDF innovation conference, 15.09.2022
November 2022: Israel’s Minister of Defense, Benny Gantz made an official visit to Greece[21]Israel Defense, In Greece, Israel’s DM calls for strengthening regional ties against Iran, 19.11.2022
March 2023: Greece and Israel signed a defense cooperation program. The program includes participation in exercises, joint training, seminars, and collaboration in matters of mutual interest.[22]GR Diplomatic Review. Greece, Israel sign new defence cooperation program, 17.03.2023[23]Ekathimerini, Greece, Israel sign 2023 defense cooperation program. 16.03.2023
January 2025: Greece announced plans to deploy Israeli NLOS missile batteries across several Greek islands in the Aegean Sea amid tensions with Turkey.[24]Greek City Times, Greece Fortifies Defense with Israeli Missile Deal Amid Turkish Tensions, 14.01.2025
May 2025: 25 Israeli companies participated in the defense exhibition DEFEA in Athens, Greece, including: Aeronautics, Astronautics, BeeSense, CorsightAI, Elbit, Emtan, IAI, Plasan, Rafael, Smartshooter, Uvision and more.[25]Globes, Not to become “prey”: the country that arms itself with the aid of Israel, 02.05.2025[26]Defea, exhibitors list[27]Breaking Defense, Increased Israel-Greek defense ties opening options for Israeli firms, 12.05.2025
Joint Army Trainings
- 2010: Israeli and Greek air forces training in Greece.[28]BBC : Israel woos Greece after rift with Turkey
- 2011: Israeli and Greek air forces training in Uvda Base in Israel
- 2012: Israeli and Greek air forces training in the Peloponnese
- 2013: Israel hosts “Blue Flag” Air Force exercise. Greece participates along with Italy and the US.
- 2013: Israeli, Greek and American Navies in two-week joint military exercise Mediterranean.[29]Jpost : IDF begins joint naval exercise in Mediterranean
- 2017: Greece hosts Navy exercise. Israel, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, the UK and the US participated.
- 2017: Israel participates in “Iniohos 2017” in Greece along with USA, Italy and the United Arab Emirates.[30]Times of Israel : Israel, UAE to fly together in Greek air force exercise
- 2018: Greece, the USA, Israel and Cyprus participated the aeronautical exercise “NOBLE DINA 2018.[31]Aeronautical exercise with the participation of Cyprus, Greece, USA and Israel
- 2019: “Blue Flag” exercise in Israel. Greece, Germany, Italy and the US participated.
- 2019: “Mighty Waves 2019” exercise hosted by Israel. Greece, Canada, Cyprus, France, Germany, Italy, NATO, UK, US and Chile participated.[32]MIGHTY WAVES 2019 : Joint training of Greece with Israel, the USA and France in the Eastern Mediterranean
- 2019: “Noble Dina” exercise hosted by Greece. Israel, Cyprus and the US participated.
- 2020: a joint naval exercise was held between Greece, Bulgaria, and Israel.[33]AIES : Israeli-Greek Naval, Air Force and Defence Industry Cooperation
- 2021: Joint Cyber Training was held between Israel, Greece and Cyprus in a military base in Israel.[34]IDF holds first-of-its-kind cyber-defense exercise with Greek, Cypriot armies
- 2022: Joint naval exercise near the coast of Cyprus: Israel, Greece, France, Cyprus and the United States participated in the exercise.[35]IDF wraps up naval drill with Greece, France, Cyprus and US
- 2022: Major international air force drill in Greece. Participated: Israel, Greece, Cyprus, United States, Canada, France, Italy, Slovenia, Austria. Egypt, Albania, Austria, North Macedonia, the United Kingdom, India, Kuwait, Croatia, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia sent observers to the drill, according to the Hellenic Air Force.[36]Israeli fighter jets touch down in Greece for major international aerial drills
- 2022: Series of drills in and around Cyprus. Focus was training rescue operations. Participated: Israel, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UK and France.[37]Israel joins 6 other countries in Cyprus to drill evacuations from conflict zones
- April 2023: Noble Dina. Greece participated in the international naval exercise lead by the Israeli Navy.[38]Israel Defense, Israeli Navy features Sa’ar 6- class corvette in int’l “Noble Dina” exercise for first time, 02.04.2023
- September 2023: The Israeli Air Force conducted a long-range strike drill in Greece, aimed at preparing the military for a potential strike on Iran and its nuclear facilities. [39]The Times of Israel, Air Force stages major drill in Greece practicing potential long-range strike on Iran, 14.09.2023
- April 2025: The Israeli Air Force participated in the Iniochos annual aerial exercise in Greece.[40]The Times of Israel, In first, Israeli Air Force participates with Qatar in aerial exercises hosted by Greece, 11.04.2025
- July 2026: Israeli and Greek air forces resumed joint military exercises after a long pause over Israeli wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. Footage released by the Greek air force showed Israeli aircraft refueling Greek F-16 fighter jets during a flight over the Aegean Sea.[41]Anadolu Agency, Israeli, Greek air forces resume joint drills, 06.07.2026
Arms deals
2019: Israel and Greece published their plan to build an Israeli advanced long-range naval radar system (OTH) on the Greek island of Crete. With a combination of UAVs the radar system will be capable of monitoring an area with a radius of 600km.[42]European Security and Defence : Military Cooperation between Israel, Greece and Cyprus
May 2020: Greece and Israel have signed the first agreement for the lease of the Israeli Heron UAV, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, for border defence purposes.[43]Naval Technology, Israel signs agreement to lease IAI Heron UAV to Greece, 07.05.2020
July 2020: 90% of the Greek bus and military vehicle manufacturer Hellenic Vehicle Industry (ELVO) were acquired by two Israeli companies, SK Group and Plasan. Plasan is owned by Kibbutz Sasa, specializes in vehicle protection and armored tactical vehicles.[44]Ekathimerini : Israeli venture set to land Hellenic Vehicle Industry
September 2020: the Greek Defense Ministry announced negotiations with Elbit on modernization and rearmament of the Greek Air Force, focused especially around Apache helicopters, F-16 and Mirage-2000. The deal is estimated at several tens of millions of euros.[45]Israel arms and modernizes the army of Turkey’s main enemy/
April 2021: Israel and Greece signed a deal worth $1.65 billion to set up an International Flight Training Centre for the Hellenic Air Force. Under the agreement, Elbit Systems will supply new M-346 training aircraft and will maintain the entire training fleet comprising dozens of M-346 and T-6 training aircraft for a period of about 20 years. The agreement also includes advanced Embedded Virtual Avionics (EVA) on-board the training aircraft, networked flight simulators, an array of Ground-Based Training Stations and command and control systems to facilitate the effective management of the flight training.[46]Israeli-Greek Naval, Air Force and Defence Industry Cooperation[47]Elbit planning to set up flight training school for Greek Air Force The flight school officially opened in October 2022 in Kalamata.[48]Intl Flight Training Center in Kalamata, Greece – Taking Off
June 2021: Greek ONEX Neorion Shipyards and Israeli Shipyards have signed a cooperation agreement for the construction of next generation corvettes. The agreement was signed during the visit by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek Prime Minister, to Israel.[49]Israeli-Greek Naval, Air Force and Defence Industry Cooperation
In 2021 and 2022 Greece made huge purchases of NLOS Spike missile systems for the Greek army and navy. The Greek army also decided to choose Sandcat vehicles from the Israeli company Plasan, as the vehicles on which the Spike missile systems for the ground systems will be installed. The Greek army also purchased Orbiter UAS’s manufactured by Aeronautics for the purpose of acquiring targets and intelligence.[50]Rafael’s major Spike missile deal with Greece: additional details revealed
May 2023: first two M-346 aircraft landed at the International Flight Training Center in Kalamata, Greece [51]Israel Defense, Elbit Systems marks milestone with first two M-346 aircraft arriving in Greece, 18.05.2023
In May 2023, the Israeli government-owned Israel Aerospace Industries acquired the Greek defense company Intracom Defense.[52]IAI, IAI has acquired Greek defence company Intracom defence, 09.05.2023 The acquisition enabled IAI to participate in European Defence Fund projects, including €15m contracts that has been awarded to Intracom defense until June 2025.[53]EU Observer, European Defence Fund millions benefiting Israeli state-owned drone manufacturer, 11.06.2025
October 2023: The Greek Government Council for Foreign and Defence Affairs (KYSEA) approved the acquisition of Israeli-made systems, including Rafael Spice air-launched bombs and the Rampage, an air-to-surface weapon developed jointly by Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries.[54]Defense Industry Europe, Greece to buy more advanced weapon systems from Israel, 02.10.2023
December 2023: Greece signed a $400 million deal to purchase naval, air and land-based Spike missiles manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.[55]Ynet, Israel signs $400 million deal to sell Greece anti-tank missiles, 04.10.2023
November 2024: Greece and Israel are negotiating a €2 billion deal for the development of an anti-aircraft and missile defense system similar to Israel’s Iron Dome, aligned with both Greece and Cyprus’ ongoing military modernization efforts.[56]Army Recognition, Greece to purchase 38 Israeli PULS rocket launchers to strengthen border and island defenses. 06.12.2024
May 2025: Israel Aerospace Industries had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) to offer IAI’s BlueWhale autonomous submarine system to the Hellenic Navy. As part of the deal, HAI will participate in the production and technological evolution of the BlueWhale autonomous submarine system based.[57]Breaking Defense, Increased Israel-Greek defense ties opening options for Israeli firms, 12.05.2025
February 2026: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB) announced they successfully integrated the Greek anti-UAV system ‘KENTAVROS’ into the Israeli BARAK-MX Air and Missile Defense System, achieving joint operational capability and marking the first large-scale Greek-Israeli defense industry collaboration.[58]Defence Review GR, Τεχνολογικό ορόσημο για την ΕΑΒ: Επιβεβαιώθηκε σε επίδειξη πεδίου η ενοποίηση BARAK-MX και … Continue reading[59]Ekathimerini, Greek Centauros anti-drone system joins Israeli missile shield, 04.02.2026
March 2026: A Greek parliamentary committee approved the purchase of a €3 billion Israeli air defense systems as part of the country’s Achilles Shield project announced the year before. The purchase includes the Barak MX medium-range air defense systems and ELM-2084 radar by IAI, and the Spyder and David’s Sling systems by Rafael.[60]The Jerusalem Post, Greece greenlights €3 billion Israeli missile and drone defense system, 17.03.2026[61]Ares Ossevatorio Difesa, Una cupola difensiva israeliana per la Grecia, 17.03.2026[62]Army Recognition, Exclusive: Greece Launches €2.8 Billion ‘Achilles Shield’ Project to Build National Air Defense System, 05.04.2025[63]Defense Industry Europe, Greece in talks with Israel’s IAI over Barak air defence systems under Achilles Shield plan, 05.04.2025
April 2026: Greece signed a €650 million contract with Elbit to purchase advanced multiple rocket launcher system PULS to the Greek Armed Forces. The deal involves collaboration between Elbit and with Greek industries for system production and technology transfer. The systems are to be supplied over four years and the contract includes an additional ten-year support period.[64]Ekathimerini, Israeli defense company signs €650 mln deal with Greece, 06.04.2026[65]Army Recognition, Greece to purchase 38 Israeli PULS rocket launchers to strengthen border and island defenses. 06.12.2024[66]Globes, Greece close to buying Elbit rocket launchers – report, 05.01.2025
June 2026: In June 2026 the Greek parliament approved a defense procurement package worth between €1 billion and €1.2 billion. The procurement package includes purchase of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Heron 1 UAV system, valued at €40 million, including two drones and full operational support for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.[67]Israel Defense, Greece Advances €1.2B Defense Package Featuring Israeli Heron 1 UAV Deal, 15.06.2026[68]Overt Defense, Greece Greenlights Major €1.2B Defence Package to Modernize Armed Forces, 15.06.2026
At the same time, Elbit Systems announced that it will modernize the electro-optical systems of the AH-64A Apache attack helicopters operated by the Greek Army.[69]Zona Militar, La israelí Elbit Systems modernizará los sistemas electroópticos de los AH-64A Apache del Ejército de Grecia, 13.06.2026
Cyber Security
In June 2020, Israel and Greece signed a cooperation agreement on cybersecurity. The agreement includes conducting joint projects for enhancing national cyber platforms and cooperating on workforce training initiatives. It also includes increasing cyber resilience by sharing government cyber security know-how, best practices, legal and regulatory frameworks, methodologies, and strategic insights.[70]Israel, Greece sign cooperation agreement on cyber security
In November 2021 the Israeli army held a joint cyber training exercise with cyber experts from Greece and Cyprus at the cyber simulator at the Gidonim base at Trzrifin military compound in Israel.[71]IDF holds first-of-its-kind cyber-defense exercise with Greek, Cypriot armies/
In April 2022 it was reported that a Greek journalist for CNN was targeted with the PREDATOR spyware, created by the Israeli firm Cytrox. The journalist, Thanasis Koukakis, was infected with the spyware between July and September 2021. PREDATOR is almost identical to NSO Group’s Pegasus in terms of its capabilities. Reports have suggested that the Greek Government may be a client of Cytrox. According to the report, there are 42 links [related to Cytrox] registered in Greece.[72]Haaretz : ‘Great Alarm’: First Detected Use of Mysterious Israeli Spyware on EU National In December 2022 Greek police raided the offices of Intellexa, that was allegedly involved in the Greek surveillance scandal.[73]Greece police raid Israeli surveillance company’s offices
Cyrtox and other companies like Inpedio and CyberLab are part of the “Intellexa Alliance”, an network of digital surveillance firms founded in Cyprus, Macedonia and Greece, that were involved in Predator’s development. In 2017 the Israeli state-owned company IAI invested millions in Cytrox and Inpedio [74]Haaretz, How Israel Invested in Spyware at Heart of Greek Scandal, EU Inquiry, 28.06.2023
In August 2022 it was revealed by Israeli media that representatives of the European Parliament Committee of Inquiry on Pegasus spyware recently visited Israel and learned from NSO personnel that the company has active contracts with 12 of the 27 European Union members, including Greece.[75]Greek City Times : NSO Pegasus in Greece
In May 2026 Reporters United published a report revealing that Greek authorities have used Cellebrite’s UFED devices for data extraction since at least 2017. The report raises questions about the legality of this usage.[76]Reporters United, Using Israeli UFED software (and questionable legality): ELAS and AADE hack citizens’ mobile phones, 18.05.2026
Arms Fairs:
DEFEA 2021, Athens, Greece – Participated: Elbit (Defense minister of Greece visited Elbit booth)[77]At DEFEA 2021, defense minister of Greece visits Elbit , IAI (showcased among others Barak MX Air & Missile Defense System, loitering munition capabilities, flagship MMR radars and more)[78]IAI unveils latest loitering munition at DEFEA in Greece, Camero-Tech, Double Shoot, Emtan-Karmiel, Israel Shipyards, IWI, Meprolight, Nir-Or, Rafael, SK-Group, Smartshooter, Uni-Scope, Uvision, Aeronautics, Aitech.[79]Omega research foundation : DEFEA 2021
ISDEF 2022, Tel Aviv, Israel – delegation of Greek Chamber of Commerce visited.
DEFEA 2023, Athens, Greece – Participated: Controp, Copter Pixpro, Elbit, Eldar, Enercon, Hagor, IAI, Lior, Magna, Magam Safety, Marom Dolphin, Mer Group, Omnisys, Prisma Photonics, Rafael, RT LTA systems, Simlat, San, Smartshooter, Steadiocopter, Spear AUV, Uvision.[80]Sibat, ISRAEL at DEFEA, ATHENS 9-11 May, 2023
Usage of Arms and Spyware
Heron UAV – Greece currently operates two Israeli-made IAI Heron drones out of Skyros Air Base in the Aegean Sea. [81]overtdefense : Greek Parliament to Set Aside Budget for MQ-9s/
DroneDome System – implemented over islands and other important sites across Greece.[82]Forbes : Greece Is Deploying Israeli Systems To Counter Turkish Drones
Sa’ar 4.5 patrol boat – in use by Hellenic Coast Guard.
Predator – 42 links by Cytrox’ spyware were registered in Greece. Greek journalist was targeted by the spyware in 2021.[83]Haaretz : ‘Great Alarm’: First Detected Use of Mysterious Israeli Spyware on EU National
Viisights and Octupus – Surveillance technologies by the Israeli companies Viisights and Octupus are used in refugee camps in Greece[84]Viisights, viisights Proves to Make Smart Cities Smarter with Line of Behavioral Recognition Video Analytics, 23.11.2022[85]I Have Rights, Controlled and Confined: Unveiling the Impact of Technology in the Samos Closed Controlled Access Centre, Jan 2025 including the “Closed Controlled Access Centre” in the Greek island of Samos, which Amnesty International describes as a “dystopian nightmare” where refugees are unlawfully detained in conditions that lack the most basic infrastructure and services.[86]The Breach, Stephen Harper’s firm behind spy tech used in ‘dystopian’ Greek refugee camps, 23.01.2025[87]Amnesty International, People seeking asylum detained in EU-funded “pilot” refugee camp on Samos, 30.07.2024
UFED – Cellebrite‘s devices for extracting data from mobile devices are used by the Greek police and tax authority.[88]Reporters United, Using Israeli UFED software (and questionable legality): ELAS and AADE hack citizens’ mobile phones, 18.05.2026
Human Rights Violations
Greece continues to host large numbers of asylum seekers while failing adequately to protect their rights. As of December 2019, more than 40,000 asylum seekers[89]Amnesty – Greece Report 2021, the majority women and children, were on the Greek islands, including more than 33,400 in camps designed to host around 6,200.[90]HRW World Report 2020- Greece Greek policy continued to trap thousands in overcrowded and abysmal conditions on the islands. People in camps continued to face insanitary conditions, lack of proper medical care and violence, including based on gender. There is evidence of Greece blocking asylum seekers who arrive on the Aegean islands from moving to the mainland. In addition, there are allegations of pushbacks at the Greek-Turkish border. Advocates demand an investigation as refugees report violence by Greek police — including incidents in which masked men pushed people back across the border.[91]Deutsche Welle : Refugees report inhumane treatment by Greek border police Amnesty International reported in the first quarter of 2020 about asylum-seekers and migrants being killed and abused at the Greek-Turkish borders. Greek border forces reportedly fired live ammunition and tear gas against asylum-seekers and migrants.[92]Amnesty : Greece/Turkey: Asylum-seekers and migrants killed and abused at borders/
The European Court of Human Rights ruled twice in 2019 that Greece is in violation of its human rights obligations by detaining unaccompanied children in so-called protective custody in police station cells and detention centers.
Allegations of excessive use for force, torture and other ill-treatment by law enforcement officials persisted. In the last quarter of 2019, there was a spike in reports of such incidents against individuals during arrest and detention, journalists and students. Greece has seen an alarming rise in police violence, amid reports of unprovoked attacks by officers that have seen protesters beaten with batons and people strip-searched in broad daylight.[93]Amnesty – Greece Report 2021/