The discussion of the creation of a credible anti -aircraft “dome” with missile systems Air defense for Greek airspace is at a focal point, with Greek Armed force To wait for the political decision that the equipment will make in the final line.
Indeed, the Armed Forces remain stable in their suggestions, considering that the most appropriate missile systems for the country’s needs are Israeli.
Despite the European proposals made at times, no one shows mature, nor is there any will at EU level. for immediate implementation of a common European air defense system. At this stage, the only thing left is the political decision.
The necessity of an anti -aircraft dome
The geography and threat facing Greece make it vital the existence of a multilevel air defense system, the so -called “anti -aircraft dome”.
- Extensive airspace: From the Ionian to the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean, the country has huge areas that need to be protected.
- UAV threat: The war in Ukraine and businesses in the Middle East have shown that UAVs and Loitering Munitions can prove as dangerous as fighter aircraft.
- Turkish Upgrading: Turkey has a powerful UAV fleet, modern F-16 fighters with a possible Typhoon Eurofighter acquisition or even a return to the F-35 program, ballistic domestic missiles, anti-aircraft systems and the prospect of introducing new technologies.
Greece, despite its powerful Patriot, S-300 and Tor-M1 systems, needs A new umbrella that will connect all within a network -centered environment And it will provide anti-UAV and small and medium-range anti-aircraft protection.
European proposals and ‘gap of will’
In recent years, Europe has promoted the idea of a common “shield” of air defense. There is the European Sky Shield initiative under German auspices, with the aim of acquiring European or American systems in a common form. However:
– The program remains at a political level without a specific timetable.
-European countries have conflicting interests: Germany seems to prefer Arrow-3 to Israel, France promotes its own Mamba, while other countries want patriot.
– There is no funding agreement so far, nor a common development plan.
– This means that for Greece, which is facing an immediate threat, European proposals do not offer a tangible solution to the visible future.
Why is the scales in favor of Israel
The Israeli model anti -aircraft dome has proven its value in practice. In Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and even in Iran’s recent mass attack, Israel has managed to protect critical infrastructure and cities from mass waves of drones, rockets and ballistic missiles.
The “recipe” is based on a multilevel architecture:
- IRON DOME: faces small range threats (rockets, UAVs, ammunition).
- David’s Sling: It undertakes medium range goals, such as cruise missiles.
- Arrow: They face long range ballistic missiles.
Greece does not need the whole spectrum, but it can choose a customized configuration so that the “dome” meets its own needs in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Critical is the cost -efficacy relationship. The Israeli system, which will be built on Greek needs, includes three main levels:
- David’s Sling for a large range (up to 300 kilometers, 7.5 Mach speed),
- Barak MX for medium (35-150 km, 30km high) and
- The Spyder All-in-One for a small (20-50 kilometers, 4 Mach speed).
David’s Sling, co -production of Rafael and Raytheon, is ideal for anti -ballistic defense, covering threats such as Turkish Bora. The recently adopted Barak MX offers flexibility on naval and land platforms. Spyder, with Python-5 rockets and Derby, focuses on drones and low-height targets.
In addition to the “hard” weapons, the “dome” will be network -centric, with sensors, radars and electronic warfare systems covering the FIR Athens and beyond. It will incorporate fighters such as Rafale and F-35, FDI frigates and submarines, creating a single network of data.
Interesting is the exploration of laser systems such as Iron Beam, which will be operational in 2025 and offers a low cost per shot (less than $ 2,000). Greece is considering co-production to reduce costs, while Israeli officials have exhibited lower Laser for protection of borders and naval units.
The Greek suggestion
According to onalert.gr, the military staff has concluded that the Israeli system offers the best solution for the country. The suggestion is based on:
- Reliability – tested in the business field.
- Interoperability – Ability to connect to existing Greek radars, Patriots and the C4I system.
- Cost – lower than European proposals.
- Timetable – possibility of faster delivery and operational utilization.
The political dilemma
The government is called upon to balance between three parameters:
- The operational needs, which are pushing for immediate aid.
- European balances, since a direct deal with Israel will displease countries such as France and Germany.
- The financial framework, given the pressure on budget from other large equipment (frigates, fighters, modernizations).
However, the reality is that the country cannot wait for Europe indefinitely to agree. The operational gap is existing and the threat of Turkish UAVs and missile systems are here and now.
The possible acquisition of the Israeli anti -aircraft system does not mean that Greece will close the door to European partnerships. On the contrary, it could be a bridge:
- Coverage of immediate needs with the Israeli model,
- Participation in European programs for the future,
- Enhancing interoperability with US and NATO.
Such a step would offer the Navy, the Air Force and the Army the opportunity to operate under a safer “dome”, limiting the effectiveness of Turkish airplane to UAV and rocket systems.
Source: Onalert.gr – Reportage: Costas Sarikas