Greece, the Greek Cypriot administration, and Israel have signed a trilateral agreement to enhance military cooperation, focusing on joint exercises and inte...
Greece, the Greek Cypriot administration, and Israel signed a trilateral agreement last week to deepen military cooperation, although it did not receive widespread public attention. This agreement builds on a long-standing partnership among the three countries.
At a technical level, the agreement was signed by military personnel and encompasses joint air and naval exercises, training activities, and intelligence cooperation. Greece is expected to participate once again in the Noble Dina naval exercise, which is scheduled to take place under Israeli leadership in the Mediterranean during the spring months.
The Noble Dina Exercise is an annual multinational naval exercise typically conducted off the coasts of Greece and/or the Greek Cypriot administration. Last year's exercise, held from March 19 to April 3, included tactical maneuvers, commercial vessel escort missions, anti-submarine warfare, joint air-sea operations, and search-and-rescue activities.
This technical agreement follows a broader memorandum signed during a summit in Jerusalem on December 22 by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Greek Cypriot administration leader Nikos Christodoulides, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The high-level agreement includes Greece's acquisition of multi-layered air defense systems under the "Achilles Shield" program and artillery systems aimed at bolstering the defense of Greek islands near Turkish shores, as well as cooperation in maritime security and natural gas and electricity connection projects.
Greece-Israel military cooperation is a key element in Israel's preparations against threats from Iran. Following the establishment of the Iran Command in 2020 to plan operations against Iran, the development of long-range and covert operational capabilities has become a priority. Greece has provided strategic depth both geographically and operationally, exemplified by Israeli fighter jets refueling in Greek airspace and conducting attack scenarios on simulated targets in the Greek Cypriot administration.
One notable aspect of the agreement is the emphasis on intelligence cooperation. The Greek Cypriot administration has long held a strategic position in monitoring the Levant region and surrounding maritime areas. Efforts are ongoing to enhance the infrastructure of the Mari Naval Base located between Limassol and Larnaca.
Source: www.denizhaber.com
