Retired Indian Air Marshal Anil Chopra proposes a “Mediterranean QUAD” with India joining Greece, Cyprus, and Israel to balance an emerging Turkey-Pakistan-Saudi “Islamic NATO”. Explore the strategic implications for Eastern Mediterranean stability.
Tag: Defense cooperation
Greece, Israel, and Cyprus have agreed to intensify joint air and naval exercises in the eastern Mediterranean starting in 2026, following a trilateral summit in Jerusalem and the signing of a new military cooperation plan. The move deepens strategic ties amid regional tensions, including arms deals and expertise sharing from Israel.
Amid growing Turkish military capabilities, Greece and Israel are exploring the creation of a joint brigade-level rapid reaction force with Cyprus, aimed at enhancing deterrence and protecting critical underwater infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey insists there is no change in its possession of Russian S-400 systems despite ongoing talks with the US to lift sanctions and rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program.
US Ambassador Tom Barrack says Türkiye is close to resolving the S-400 dispute, paving the way for Türkiye’s potential return to the F-35 program within months.
The United States has officially designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, a step…
Greece is seriously eyeing Ukraine’s battle-proven “Sea Baby” naval drones capable of carrying 2 tonnes of explosives over 1,500 km — a potential game-changer for Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean security.
Greece has officially joined the U.S. State Partnership Program, marking a major milestone in defense cooperation between Athens and Washington. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle announced the move following her first meeting with Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, signaling a new era of military and strategic collaboration in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Norway has lifted its 65-year arms embargo on Cyprus, enabling defense exports and signaling stronger bilateral ties amid regional tensions.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Ankara today to sign a deal for 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, finalizing a July preliminary agreement. Twenty RAF-operated aircraft will enable swift delivery, while the rest will be customized Tranche 4 models. The move helps Turkey bridge air power gaps amid regional tensions and its exclusion from the F-35 program due to Russian S-400 purchases.
In her first interview as U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle describes Greece as a cornerstone of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and outlines her vision for strengthening U.S.–Greece relations through defense, technology, and energy cooperation.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto signed protocols in La Spezia for the acquisition of two Bergamini-class frigates, with the option for two more in the future, highlighting strengthened defense cooperation between Athens and Rome.
The US State Department has reiterated that Turkey cannot rejoin the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter…
Germany and the UK have signed a “friendship treaty” to combat migrant smuggling by empowering German police to seize small boats and criminalize smuggling to Britain. The agreement, led by PM Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, also enhances cooperation on defense, travel, and climate initiatives, strengthening post-Brexit ties.
A bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives has introduced the “U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Assessment Act” to deepen security ties with Greece. Led by Reps. Grace Meng, Gus Bilirakis, Dina Titus, and Nicole Malliotakis, the bill explores expanding the U.S. military presence in Greece, including its islands, under the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement. Highlighting Greece’s strategic role in the Eastern Mediterranean, the legislation underscores the importance of bases like Alexandroupolis and Souda Bay in supporting U.S. and NATO operations, particularly in aiding Ukraine. Supported by Greek-American organizations, the bill aims to strengthen this vital alliance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-day visit to Cyprus on June 15, 2025, to strengthen economic and defense ties, counter Türkiye’s influence, and explore an India-Cyprus economic corridor. Accompanied by President Nikos Christodoulides, Modi will visit the UN-patrolled Green Line, marking a significant step in India’s outreach to Türkiye’s regional adversaries amid tensions over Pakistan’s actions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Cyprus and Croatia around the G7 summit in Canada, aiming to strengthen India’s European ties. The Cyprus visit, the third by an Indian PM, comes amid tensions with Turkiye over its support for Pakistan and the Cyprus issue. India continues to back Cyprus through UNSC resolutions while deepening defense ties with both Cyprus and Greece. Modi’s first-ever visit to Croatia follows a 2023 defense MoU, signaling expanding bilateral relations.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has warned that the EU’s proposed SAFE regulation could serve as a “backdoor” for third countries—particularly Turkey—to access European defense initiatives without consensus from all member states. Citing security concerns and Ankara’s ongoing threats toward Greece, Dendias urged the EU to maintain unity and uphold shared principles in its defense policy.
Greece will enhance its maritime intelligence-gathering capabilities through a strategic partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) to integrate the BlueWhale autonomous submarine into Hellenic Navy operations. Signed at DEFEA 2025, the agreement leverages the XLUUV’s advanced sensors and AI for ISR, ASW, and MCM, strengthening Greece’s maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Greece as a model for Southeastern European partners, highlighting its leadership in regional security and strong NATO contributions in a letter to Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias.
During their meeting in Rome, Giorgia Meloni praised Greek–Italian cooperation, introducing the Greek word “meraki” to describe the passion behind it. Kyriakos Mitsotakis echoed her sentiment, calling the summit a meaningful opportunity to deepen ties — not just a ceremonial event.
The joint statement following the Meloni-Erdogan meeting in Rome carries a distinct Turkish “flavor,” endorsing Ankara’s maritime zone positions while omitting human rights and Cyprus issues. Italy supports Turkey’s EU aspirations and defense role, raising concerns about bypassing EU principles.
Greece will acquire a fourth Belharra frigate, as announced by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, who will propose the purchase to KYSEA. During a visit by French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu, a contract for 16 Exocet missiles was signed.
On March 30, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Jerusalem for a high-level meeting. The leaders discussed their nations’ shared historical roots, common values, and strategic interests, with a focus on defense systems like BARAK MX and SPIKE NLOS. The talks signal a deepening partnership amid regional challenges and opportunities.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is in Paris today for a high-stakes summit on Ukraine’s peace and security, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. On Friday, he will make history in the first-ever Greece-France-Cyprus-Lebanon leaders’ meeting, reinforcing Greece’s role as a regional stabilizer. With a subsequent trip to Israel planned, Mitsotakis is positioning Greece at the heart of international diplomacy.
Turkey is preparing to ratify framework military agreements with Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, enhancing its presence in the region and expanding its influence around Greece. These agreements, signed in 2024, aim to deepen military relations and address regional security threats amidst heightened geopolitical tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias expressed strong opposition to the potential sale of Meteor air-to-air missiles to Turkey during his meeting with British Defense Minister John Healey in London. The visit also focused on strengthening defense collaboration between Greece and the UK, especially with the changing geopolitical landscape following Donald Trump’s recent election victory. The sale has stirred concerns among European leaders, with discussions continuing to navigate the defense implications in the region.
Greece is set to continue deepening US defence ties with Trump administration National Defence Minister…
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace during his visit to the AI Summit. Their one-hour meeting addressed key issues including Meteor missile sales, defense cooperation, and the importance of fiscal flexibility for EU member states. Mitsotakis also highlighted Greece’s role in the development of artificial intelligence, showcasing its national AI strategy and participation in major European AI initiatives.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris for a wide-ranging discussion on bilateral relations, the European economy, and defense cooperation. Their talks focused on strengthening EU competitiveness through artificial intelligence and the need for increased budgetary flexibility for defense investments. The meeting reaffirmed the strong ties between Greece and France amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
