Erdogan Warns Greece After Israel Signs Major Air Defense Deal

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a stern warning to Athens following the signing of a significant defense agreement between Greece and Israel, without directly mentioning Israel. The deal, valued at over 10 billion shekels (approximately $2.7 billion), involves Israel establishing an advanced air defense system in Greece.

Erdogan stated, "Whoever interprets Turkey's balanced and sober approach as weakness is making a grave mistake. Greece must reverse its erroneous approach." He was responding to questions from journalists about the agreement, emphasizing that Turkey would "do what is necessary."

The agreement, signed earlier this week, will see Israel construct a multi-layered air defense system in Greece, named "Achilles Shield" after a Greek mythological hero. This system will reportedly include Israeli-made David's Sling, Spyder, and Barak missile systems, along with advanced radar and national command and control systems.

This landmark deal represents the largest defense export agreement in the history of Israel-Greece relations and one of the largest in Israel's history. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as one of the most significant in the country's history, noting it builds upon the Eastern Mediterranean alliance formed between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus over the past decade.