“Do the moves by Athens indicate preparation for conflict between Turkey and Greece?” questions Turkish media.
A secret agreement between Israel and Greece against the “Turkish shield” is in the “making” as Turkish newspaper Milliyet noted in its publication, leaving clear “hints” that Athens is cultivating a “war climate.”
“Do the moves by Athens indicate preparation for a possible conflict between Turkey and Greece? The secret agreement between Athens and Tel Aviv that was made behind closed doors has been revealed,” the Turkish outlet reported.
The entire Milliyet article:
Israeli news channel Channel 14 announced that a major defense agreement had been signed with Greece, amid Turkey’s growing influence in the region.
According to Channel 14 news, as part of the agreement, Greece will spend millions of euros on Israeli-made air defense systems and other military technologies in the coming period.
Is this a preparation for a conflict with Turkey?
In the publication, which draws attention to the fact that this step is crucial against the “Turkish Shield in the Eastern Mediterranean”, some experts argued that with this move, Athens is preparing for a possible conflict between Turkey and Greece.
It was emphasized that, given Turkey’s population exceeding 85 million and its strong military capability in the region, Greece’s strategic concerns behind this defensive move are even more apparent.
On the other hand, while it is noted that the agreement is being implemented within the framework of Greece’s defense program called “Achilles’ Shield”, the goal of the program is to create a multi-level air defense network by 2030 and strengthen Greece’s defense capability with a similar model to that of Israel.
Along with fighter aircraft and Navy ships, air defense systems are among the most critical elements of the program.
Greek officials prefer Israel’s “David’s Sling” system, Rafael’s “Spyder” system, Israel Aerospace Industries’ “Barak MX” missile systems, and Elbit’s “PULS”. These systems have been actively used in Israeli airspace for the past two and a half years.
It will be completed in a year and a half
While the Greek Parliament’s Defense Committee reportedly met on Monday night to discuss the details of the deal, the process is expected to reach final approval in the coming months. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias also drew attention to the deal during his contacts in London. Athens stressed that it selected the Israeli offer without proceeding to an international open tender and that this was related to operational reasons.
As noted after the agreement was approved, we expect to complete the systems delivery in about 1.5 years.
What had happened?
Last November, the Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported that the government in Athens had resumed negotiations with Israel to supply new air defense systems. The air defense systems Greece will purchase from Israel are expected to replace its aging systems.
In this context, it was reported that the replacement of OSA-AK and TOR M1 systems with Spyder systems is planned, and then the replacement of the old Hawk defense systems with Barak MX systems.
It was also reported that Greece is seeking to conclude an agreement with Tel Aviv to purchase Israel’s “David’s Sling” long-range missile defense systems, which will replace the S-300s.
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