Greece and Israel forge stronger strategic alliance

In recent years, the relationship between Greece and Israel has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from routine cooperation into a comprehensive strategic alliance. 

Amid a backdrop of shifting alliances and persistent instability in the Eastern Mediterranean, the two nations have intensified their collaboration across defense, energy, and technology sectors.

A recent international defense exhibition in Athens offered a window into this growing partnership. Held in early May, the event showcased a wide range of innovations, from advanced military technology to strategic coordination efforts. 

Among the exhibitors were 25 Israeli companies and representatives from Israel’s Ministry of Defense, who displayed emerging capabilities such as autonomous drones, secure communication systems, and energy-efficient technologies aimed at modern battlefield applications.

Drone technology has become a particularly notable focus of cooperation. 

Both nations have prioritized the integration of unmanned aerial systems into their defense strategies, recognizing their critical value in surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision operations. This shared interest underscores a broader modernization effort, with Greece increasingly turning to Israeli defense expertise to enhance its capabilities.

A key example of this growing defense collaboration is the Kalamata Flight Training Center, established as part of a $1.5 billion partnership with Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems. 

Located on a modernized Hellenic Air Force base, the center is designed to serve as a hub for advanced pilot training and operational readiness.

Beyond technology and training, joint military exercises have added depth to the relationship. Naval drills involving the U.S. and Cyprus reflect an emphasis on complex maritime scenarios, including submarine warfare and search and rescue operations. 

These joint initiatives help build interoperability and reinforce the strategic alignment between Athens and Jerusalem.

The alliance is also expanding into the energy sector. One major project aims to link the electricity grids of Israel, Cyprus, and Greece through an undersea cable—an ambitious step toward greater regional energy security and integration with European markets. This move reflects the increasing importance of energy corridors in the broader geopolitical calculus of the region.

Diplomatic coordination has kept pace with defense and energy efforts. Trilateral frameworks like the Greece-Israel-Cyprus alliance, along with broader formats such as the 3+1 with the United States, have strengthened the institutional infrastructure supporting this partnership. 

These multilateral engagements reflect a shared interest in promoting regional stability and countering emerging threats.

One of the catalysts for the strengthening of Greek-Israeli ties has been the shared perception of Turkey as a regional destabilizer. 

From 2019 to 2024, tensions between Ankara and Athens have periodically escalated, particularly over maritime boundaries and military exercises. Israel, facing its own frictions with Turkey—especially regarding Syria and political rhetoric—has found common cause with Greece in viewing Ankara’s actions as a source of instability.

The convergence of strategic interests has moved the relationship beyond convenience. Over the past decade, what began as occasional collaboration has matured into a structured alliance. Defense remains a cornerstone, but the partnership now spans energy development, innovation, tourism, emergency response, and diplomatic engagement at regional and global levels.

In an increasingly volatile region, Greece and Israel now stand out as a reliable and stable alliance. Their cooperation, rooted in mutual trust and pragmatic objectives, serves as a model for how shared values and common challenges can foster deeper regional integration and resilience.