Photo by
Elad Malka, Israeli Defense Ministry/TPS-IL on 20 January, 2026
Israel and Greece Deepen Defense Cooperation, Discuss Counter-Drone and Missile Systems
Jerusalem, 20 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz was in Athens on Monday for talks with his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias, highlighting strategic defense ties between the two countries.
The visit builds on an already close defense relationship that includes joint military exercises, pilot training programmes hosted in Greece, and a recently agreed trilateral military work plan with Cyprus for 2026.
Dendias said cooperation between the two countries continues to deepen, particularly in counter-drone capabilities, cybersecurity, and the exchange of operational experience. He noted that discussions also addressed developments in the Red Sea and Yemen, as well as security challenges in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Speaking after the meeting, Dendias reiterated Greece’s condemnation of the October 7 attacks on Israel and reaffirmed Athens’ support for Israel’s right to self-defence. He added that Greece backs international initiatives aimed at stabilising Gaza and is prepared to contribute to broader efforts to promote peace and regional security. He also stressed the importance of protecting civilian populations and religious communities in Syria and Lebanon, with particular emphasis on Christian minorities.
In his remarks, Katz said Israel remains on heightened alert amid what he described as “a conflict fought across seven fronts,” warning that efforts to impose control through terrorism or regional destabilisation would face a coordinated international response. He also referred to Israel’s ongoing efforts to recover the remains of hostages and fallen soldiers held by Hamas, calling it both a moral and national obligation.
Greek media reported that the Athens talks were closely linked to wider discussions on advanced air and missile defence systems, counter-drone technologies, and maritime security. According to those reports, Israeli systems are being examined as part of Greece’s planned multi-layered air defence architecture, although no formal procurement decisions have been announced.
The trilateral cooperation includes the formation of an Eastern Mediterranean rapid response team, joint exercises and training, and working groups addressing shared security challenges — most notably Turkey.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned the Israeli-Greek-Cypriot military cooperation, saying it threatens Ankara’s interests in the region.
