Greece Deploys Israeli Missiles on Aegean Islands

The deployments follow deliveries that began in August 2025 under a multi-phase procurement agreement with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

By late 2025, Greek defense outlets reported the systems as fully operational in both island and border configurations.

Long-Range Precision Added

The Spike NLOS (Non-Line-of-Sight) missile gives the Hellenic Army a precision strike capability at ranges of up to 32–35 kilometers, depending on platform and configuration.

Produced by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the missile uses electro-optical and infrared guidance, enabling operators to identify, select, and adjust targets beyond direct line of sight.

Unlike traditional anti-tank guided missiles, Spike NLOS is designed for deep engagement in complex terrain, allowing strikes against armored vehicles, command posts, and landing forces without exposing launch units.

Greek reporting describes the system as a core element of a broader effort to modernize land-based deterrence.

Islands As A2/AD Nodes

On the Eastern Aegean islands, the missiles are positioned to counter potential amphibious or air-mobile operations.

Greek defense media characterize the deployments as transforming select islands into layered anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) zones, capable of preemptive or rapid-response precision strikes well beyond coastal defenses.

These islands lie close to Türkiye’s western coastline, an area that has long been central to disputes over maritime boundaries and military posture.

Ankara has argued that treaties such as Lausanne (1923) and Paris (1947) require the demilitarization of certain islands, a position Athens rejects.

Evros Border And Integration

Along the Evros River border, Spike NLOS systems are intended to counter mechanized formations and provide long-range suppression of advancing forces.

Their reach allows Greek units to engage targets before they approach the border line, extending defensive depth on land.

Greece acquired an initial batch of 17 Spike NLOS systems in 2025 as part of a wider deal valued between €50 million and €400 million across phases.

The package includes launchers, vehicles such as Sandcat platforms, fire-control centers, and integration with command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) networks.

The missiles are linked with unmanned aerial systems, including Orbiter 3 drones, for targeting and battle damage assessment, and are also compatible with Apache helicopters.