In a statement made on April 17, 2024, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias revived discussions about enhancing Greece's air defense capabilities, a topic that has been ongoing among military leaders for years. This discussion gained new urgency following the impressive performance of Israel's Iron Dome against hostile missiles and rockets.
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Live fire exercise with Patriot and Stinger missiles at the NATO Missile Firing Installation in Chania, Greece. ( Illustrative image) (Picture source: US DoD)
Minister Dendias emphasized the urgency of this development, stating, "Considering the lessons from the conflict in Ukraine, it is crucial for us to establish a combined anti-aircraft and anti-drone system." He revealed plans to develop a system modeled on Israel's advanced Iron Dome to protect Greece from aerial threats.
Greece possesses a diversified arsenal within its primary air defense system. Interceptor aircraft from the Hellenic Tactical Air Force Headquarters form the first line of defense, able to respond quickly to air incursions thanks to their speed and agility. These aircraft are essential for air superiority and provide crucial support for missile systems. Among these, the S-300, a long-range Russian-origin surface-to-air missile system, plays a pivotal role. Its range can reach up to 150 kilometers, enabling it to target high-altitude objectives. Alongside, the American Patriot system completes the coverage with the capability to defend against ballistic missiles and aircraft, effectively operating up to a distance of 160 kilometers.
Additionally, the also American HAWK system, although older, provides medium-range air defense effective at medium altitudes and capable of reaching up to 50 kilometers. The French Crotale system is known for its rapid deployment and ability to intercept low-altitude targets within a range of 15 kilometers, ideal for countering imminent threats. On the Russian front, the Tor-M1 and Osa-AK systems are close defense solutions, specialized in neutralizing low and very low altitude targets. The Tor-M1 offers a range of about 12 kilometers and is effective against various aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles. Lastly, portable Stinger systems, operated by ground troops, provide a final line of defense against low-flying aircraft, with a range of about 8 kilometers. These various layers of defense are integrated to create a solid and flexible barrier against any aerial incursion, offering extensive protection across multiple altitude levels and distances.
The second system, specifically designed against UAVs, involves non-mobile soft-kill measures such as long-distance target tracking and electronic jammers to disrupt UAV communications, supplemented by GPS integration. This system also includes capabilities to jam satellite communications and navigation of UAVs, with plans in place to enhance it with kinetic strike capabilities for a more aggressive defense posture.
Dendias suggested that future defense strategies might integrate these two systems into a comprehensive air defense network, aiming to provide a more robust protective umbrella for Greece.
