Greece and Israel Move to Build ‘Achilles Shield’ Defense Network

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said Greece and Israel are responding to shared regional challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean without seeking to exclude Türkiye, stressing that keeping constructive dialogue channels open with Ankara is important for regional cooperation.

‘Not an Alliance Against Anyone’

Speaking at a panel hosted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies during the Delphi Economic Forum Washington DC VII, Dendias emphasized that existing regional frameworks are not designed to counter any single country.

“I always underline one important point: this is not an understanding against anybody,” Dendias said, referring to the “three plus one” cooperation format involving the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus. “It is not a ‘three plus one’ against a fourth party, whether that is Türkiye or someone else.”

He added that the U.S. commitment to the format reflects Washington’s long-term strategic assessment of stability and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Conditions for Türkiye’s Participation

Dendias said Türkiye could become part of trilateral or multilateral cooperation efforts if it aligns itself with international maritime norms, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“If Türkiye accepts the treaty and its rules, then we can all work together,” he said, adding that Greece continues to support dialogue and open communication channels with Ankara.

Defense Cooperation and ‘Achilles Shield’

The Greek minister also outlined Greece’s “Agenda 2030” defense modernization plan, highlighting deepening cooperation with Israel, particularly in innovation and artificial intelligence.

Central to this cooperation is Greece’s planned integrated air and missile defense system, known as “Achilles Shield.” Dendias described it as broader in scope than existing systems such as Israel’s Iron Dome.

“Achilles Shield is a much more holistic approach than anything that exists,” he said, noting that it addresses threats from space, cyberspace, air, sea, and ballistic and cruise missiles.

Dendias stressed that Greece aims to co-produce at least half of the system domestically while acquiring technological expertise through collaboration with Israel’s innovation ecosystem.

Relations With Türkiye and Regional Divergence

Dendias rejected claims of hostility toward Türkiye, noting that Israel and Türkiye once enjoyed close relations and that Ankara has never been an inherent enemy of Greece.

“I am not in any way anti-Turk, and I do not believe Israel is anti-Turk at all,” he said, pointing instead to political and strategic differences that have emerged in recent years.

He urged the United States to clarify its long-term vision for the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, suggesting that Washington should weigh differing regional outlooks when shaping its policies.

Acknowledging Türkiye’s Regional Influence

Dendias also acknowledged Türkiye’s expanding geopolitical footprint, citing its growing presence in Libya and across Africa.

“Türkiye has been extremely successful in the last few years,” he said, referencing Ankara’s military presence in western Libya and its increasing engagement with eastern Libya and sub-Saharan Africa.

He added that during his tenure as foreign minister, Türkiye’s influence across the continent was evident, often coinciding with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visits to the region.