Greece aims to strengthen intelligence sharing and collaboration in air defense between itself and South Cyprus with the new-generation “Achilles Shield” air defense system it has acquired from Israel. Greek media reports indicate that these updates have raised the possibility of establishing a joint air defense architecture between the two countries. Furthermore, the prospect of Israel being included in this framework is also noteworthy.
The agreement signed last Monday is said to have the potential to alter the security balances in the region. According to Politis newspaper, based on Greek military sources, this system is expected to be implemented across Greece within three years and will protect the country’s airspace in a multi-layered manner. It has been conveyed that the air defense system will consist of short, medium, and long-range elements and will activate appropriate countermeasures upon detecting threats to the airspace.
Additionally, the Belharra-class frigates, Rafale fighter jets, and F-16 Viper fighter jets acquired by Greece will work in conjunction with this system alongside the planned integration of F-35s. Greek military sources emphasized that the “Achilles Shield” should not be confused with Israel’s Iron Dome system. It is stated that the system will be integrated to address threats from drones, combat aircraft, and various missile threats in the geographical context of Greece.
Despite Greece and South Cyprus having different air defense systems, Politis newspaper suggested that critical intelligence regarding the protection of airspace could be shared between the two parties. Information regarding a threat detected by Greek air defense systems could be relayed to South Cyprus, and conversely, information obtained by South Cyprus could also be communicated to Greece.
As military collaborations strengthen, Simerini newspaper expresses the desire of both Greece and South Cyprus to develop joint air defense and missile systems. There is also speculation that this framework could be conceived as a “two-layered air defense system.” In the future, Israel’s involvement in this cooperation is considered probable.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
