The discussions were reported by Greek media in mid-December 2025 and are described as exploratory rather than policy decisions.

They coincide with intensified trilateral consultations, including recent and upcoming high-level military and political meetings.

Brigade-Level Concept Emerges

According to reporting by Ta Nea on December 17, 2025, senior defense officials from Greece, Israel, and the Republic of Cyprus are examining the feasibility of forming a joint rapid reaction force at brigade level. 

The concept under discussion envisions a unit of roughly 2,500 personnel, drawing approximately 1,000 troops each from Greece and Israel and about 500 from Cyprus.

The force would be designed for rapid deployment rather than permanent basing as a single formation. 

Officials cited in Greek media describe it as a flexible structure capable of operating across land, air, and sea in response to emerging crises in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Air And Naval Components

Beyond ground forces, the proposal includes substantial air and naval support. 

Greek and Israeli air forces would each contribute a dedicated squadron to provide air cover, surveillance, and strike capabilities. Naval elements would involve a standing presence of Greek surface combatants and submarines, alongside Israeli Sa’ar 6-class corvettes and submarines.

Potential operating nodes discussed include Rhodes and Karpathos in Greece, Cyprus itself, and bases in Israel. 

These locations would allow the force to cover wide maritime areas and respond quickly to incidents affecting sea lanes or offshore installations.

Protecting Infrastructure And Deterrence

A central mission outlined in the reports is the protection of critical underwater infrastructure. 

This includes energy pipelines and electricity interconnectors such as the Great Sea Interconnector, as well as subsea communications cables increasingly viewed as vulnerable strategic assets.

Greek, Cypriot, and Israeli planners are also said to view the force as a deterrent and rapid-response mechanism against threats to maritime order. 

An Israeli security analyst quoted in the coverage, Shai Gal, described the idea as “not an alliance against anyone,” emphasizing its defensive orientation even as it enhances readiness and coordination.

Regional Context And Constraints

The deliberations come against the backdrop of persistent tensions with Türkiye over maritime boundaries, energy exploration, and military posture in the Eastern Mediterranean. 

Greek and Cypriot officials have long criticized Ankara’s “Blue Homeland” doctrine and naval activities near Cyprus, while Türkiye argues that such trilateral cooperation contributes to regional militarization.