Israel Upgrades Greek Air Force Apache Helicopters Amid Rising Turkey Tensions
Greece is set to complete certification in October for launching Rafael's Spike NLOS missiles from Apache helicopters, according to the Greek news site OnAlert. The helicopters’ electronic systems are being upgraded by Israeli defense company Elbit Systems. These enhancements are primarily aimed at countering the growing threat from Turkey.
The Spike missile family includes a range of tactical electro-optical missiles suited for various ranges and platforms. The lightest model, Spike SR, weighs about 10 kilograms and is shoulder-fired with a range of up to 2 kilometers. The heaviest, Spike NLOS (also called Tamuz), weighs 71 kilograms and can strike targets up to 32 kilometers away from land, air, or sea platforms.
The Greek Apache upgrade program involves more than just Spike missiles. At least five helicopters have been equipped with new electro-optical and electronic systems at the Alexandria Air Base, where Elbit technicians worked alongside Greek Air Force personnel. The project includes three different defense systems and modernizes 19 AH-64A+ Apaches purchased in the 1990s by integrating advanced systems to reduce upgrade costs. A key component is a new Target Acquisition Designation Sight (TADS), replacing older electro-optical technology to improve target detection, identification, and engagement day and night.
In recent years, and especially in recent months, ties between Israeli defense industries and Greece’s Ministry of Defense have strengthened. Greece’s National Security Council (KYSEA) recently approved a €2.9 billion ($3.4 billion) deal to purchase Israeli air defense systems as part of the "Achilles Shield" program. This is Greece’s second-largest defense deal after Germany’s acquisition of the Arrow 3 system, which included an initial $3.5 billion contract and a follow-up $3.1 billion order to boost interceptor and launcher production.
The Greek deal includes three layered defense systems: Rafael’s Iron Fist at the upper layer, Israel Aerospace Industries’ Barak MX at the middle layer, and Rafael’s Spyder at the lower layer. These developments reflect the deepening regional defense cooperation between Israel and Greece amid escalating tensions with Turkey.
