Greece Evaluates Advanced US and British Missiles to Boost Air Superiority

Greece is actively reshaping the aerial balance of power in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean by evaluating next-generation weapon systems for its air force. According to a report by the Greek defense portal Directus, Athens is focusing on three advanced weapon systems from the United States and the United Kingdom, a combination designed to grant Greece absolute air superiority and deep-strike capabilities without risking its aircraft.

On October 8, a crucial meeting was held at the Hellenic Air Force General Staff with representatives from the European missile conglomerate MBDA UK, including regional sales manager Rachel Westwood and technical director Sabio Babu. The Greek Ministry of Defense officially confirmed on October 14 that the parties discussed the capabilities of the SPEAR 3 miniature cruise missiles and the electronic warfare variant, SPEAR EW.

The SPEAR 3 missile, whose initial production began this year ahead of first deliveries in 2027, is equipped with a turbojet engine and capable of striking mobile targets and air defense systems at a range of over 140 kilometers. The EW version incorporates advanced jammers designed to blind and deceive enemy radars.

Simultaneously with talks involving the British, heightened activity is underway with Washington. According to Greek defense media reports, Athens has submitted an initial request for price and availability data for the advanced AIM-260 JATM and AIM-120D-3 air-to-air missiles. The AIM-260, for which Lockheed Martin signed an agreement last September to accelerate production, is intended to replace current AMRAAM missiles.

Although its specifications remain classified, estimates point to an operational range of approximately 300 kilometers. An encouraging precedent for Athens was set last August when Australia announced its intention to acquire the missiles in a deal valued at approximately 736 million Australian dollars, proving that the weaponry is not reserved exclusively for the United States military.

The third and most formidable pillar of Greece's armament plan is the evaluation of the AGM-158B JASSM-ER stealth cruise missile. This is an ultra-long-range strike weapon exceeding 926 kilometers, bringing it close to the 1,000-kilometer threshold. Integrating these systems with Greece's future F-35 fighter jets, upgraded F-16 Vipers, and Rafale aircraft already armed with Meteor missiles is intended to send a clear message to Ankara.

While Turkey invests in developing its own aircraft and defense systems, Greece aims to establish a decisive qualitative and technological advantage, subject to obtaining the necessary approvals, funding, and system integration.