Athens – Greece is significantly upgrading its defense capabilities with a new "Iron Wall" strategy focused on fortifying its presence in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. Central to this initiative is the acquisition of advanced Belh@rra (FDI) frigates, boasting cutting-edge anti-aircraft systems. These frigates are poised to dramatically improve Greece's area air defense, safeguarding critical regions including the Aegean Sea, the waters between Crete and Cyprus, and key areas of the Eastern Mediterranean vital to national interests and international missions.
The Belh@rra frigates will provide significantly greater coverage compared to Greece's existing MEKO frigates. The planned fleet of four FDI vessels will create a powerful defensive perimeter. This naval modernization is a key component of Greece's ambitious plan to establish a comprehensive anti-aircraft and missile defense "Iron Dome," similar to Israel's proven system.
This "Iron Dome," estimated at €2 billion, will integrate existing Greek defense assets with three advanced Israeli technologies: David's Sling (a long-range anti-ballistic missile system), Barak MX (a medium-range air defense system), and Spyder (a mobile, short-to-medium range system).
These systems will work in concert with existing fighter jets, frigate armaments, Patriot missiles, and anti-drone technology to create a layered defense. The "Iron Dome" is projected to be operational within the next two and a half years.
A ten-year armament program will be presented to Parliament after Christmas, outlining the details of this modernization plan, which extends to 2035. Beyond the "Iron Dome," the plan addresses crucial force restructuring measures, including streamlining military camps from 837 to 705, aiming for improved efficiency and increased peacetime staffing levels to 70%.
The restructuring also involves the formation of new specialized units focused on cyber warfare, electronic information, space applications, and human intelligence gathering. New bodies for informatics and natural disaster response will also be established. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias emphasized the urgency of these reforms, citing examples of inefficiently located and underutilized military courts. The overarching modernization effort seeks to substantially enhance Greece's defense posture and address the impact of a €20 billion shortfall in defense spending between 2015 and 2020.