Critical Role in Greece’s Defense “Iron Dome“ The Belh@rra frigates will play a key role in Greece’s “Iron Dome” defense system. Starting in 2025, they will gradually be integrated into the Greek Navy.
These FDI frigates are equipped with state-of-the-art anti-aircraft systems, which allow them to protect not only the Aegean Sea but also the sensitive areas between Crete and Cyprus, and parts of the Eastern Mediterranean, which are crucial to Greece’s national interests, especially in international missions.
Armed Forces: “Iron Wall” with Frigates in the Aegean and Mediterranean – Belh@rra Builds Greece’s Iron Dome In essence, the Belh@rra frigates provide the Hellenic Navy and Greece with Area Air Defense capabilities, a point referenced by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias during his briefing on the key components of the Armed Forces’ new structure, a program expected to be completed by 2035.
The Ten-Year Program Within this framework, a ten-year armament program is expected to be submitted to Parliament after Christmas. In addition to restructuring, merging, and closing military units, the plan includes the creation of new structures, such as the 1844 Unit (Cyber Unit) and the 1821 Unit (Electronic Information).
According to reports, the Belh@rra frigates, as shown in the diagram presented by ΘΕΜΑ, will be strategically deployed in crucial areas of the Aegean and Mediterranean, creating a central anti-aircraft dome. Each of the FDI frigates will cover an area much larger than the MEKO frigates, the most advanced ships currently in the fleet. Together, all four Belh@rra frigates will create an “Iron Wall” protecting both the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, as well as the area between Crete and Cyprus.
Greece-Israel Missile Defense Deal As revealed by Reuters, Greece is in advanced talks with Israel to develop an air and missile defense dome worth 2 billion euros. This system will be based on Israel’s proven “Iron Dome” technology, but will also incorporate Greece’s existing defense systems. The new air defense umbrella will feature three new, tested systems from Israel, and will integrate a unified command structure, with launchers stationed on islands and the mainland:
David’s Sling David’s Sling, Israel’s most advanced anti-air defense system, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, has a range of up to 300 kilometers and missile speeds reaching Mach 7.5.
Barak MX The Barak MX system offers coverage from 35 to 150 kilometers, with interception heights reaching up to 30 kilometers.
Spyder The Spyder is a mobile, hard-to-detect short- and medium-range system that uses Python-5 and Derby missiles, with ranges of 20 and 50 kilometers respectively. It operates at altitudes of 30,000 and 52,000 feet, with missile speeds reaching Mach 4. These systems will be complemented by Greece’s fighter jets, new frigate weapons, Patriot missiles, and several other anti-aircraft and anti-drone technologies.
Iron Dome Ready for Operation According to leaked information, Greece’s “Iron Dome” will be operational within the next two and a half years, at a cost of just under 1.5 billion euros. It is expected to pass through the National Security Council (KYSKEA) within the next month, and will soon integrate into Greece’s broader military modernization plan.
Reform Program of the Armed Forces The reform program presented by Minister Dendias aims to significantly enhance Greece’s military capability to effectively deter any potential threats. A key part of the plan is reducing the number of military camps from 837 to 705.
The Structure of the Armed Forces Greece currently operates more military camps than the U.S., and as noted in Parliament by Defense Minister Dendias, the goal is to improve the organizational functionality of these units, ensuring 70% staffing during peacetime. For example, some units in Evros are staffed at just 30%, while units in the Peloponnese are overstaffed by as much as 130%.
Future Defense Plans While the Ministry of Defense has mapped out the units that will be closed, it has not yet announced which ones, as it awaits reactions from local authorities. The reform is expected to be carried out within the 12-year timeframe of the program, starting as soon as next year.
Closing Ineffective Military Units Minister Dendias highlighted absurdities in the current military structure, such as the Naval Court in Ioannina, which handled only five cases last year, or various military and naval courts that do not meet real needs. In contrast, a typical civilian judge processes 25 cases daily, while a military judge only handles five annually.
Defense Budget and Priorities The Ministry of National Defense must manage obligations of 12.8 billion euros by 2035, while also prioritizing and planning a catalog of 852 independent programs with a budget of 53 billion euros. However, due to a reduction in defense spending from 2015 to 2020, a gap of 20 billion euros was created, preventing the purchase of modern weapon systems and adequate maintenance of existing ones.
New Operational Units The New Force Structure program includes, for the first time, not only the reorganization, merging, and closing of 132 military camps, but also the creation of a unified anti-aircraft and anti-drone defense shield:
- Joint missile deterrence structure.
- Acquisition of a communications satellite for military use.
- Creation of Cyber Units (Unit 1864), Electronic Intelligence Units (Unit 1821), Space Applications Units (Unit 1912), and Human Intelligence Collection Units (Unit 1947).
- Establishment of a Joint Body for Information Technology and an Information Directorate.
- Creation of a Construction Command for Natural Disaster Management.
