Greece signed a new defense agreement with France on Monday to purchase 16 Exocet anti-ship missiles, the latest step in its efforts to bolster military capabilities amid ongoing tensions with neighboring Turkey.
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and his French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu, finalized the deal in Athens during Lecornu’s official visit. The financial terms of the contract were not disclosed, but the agreement underscores deepening defense cooperation between the two nations.
“Greece does not threaten, but is threatened,” Dendias told reporters, alluding to longstanding disputes with Turkey over maritime boundaries in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean. The NATO allies have repeatedly come close to military confrontation in recent decades.
The missile acquisition is part of Greece’s broader €25 billion military modernization program, launched after years of defense budget cuts during the 2010–2018 financial crisis. Previous purchases from France include 24 Rafale fighter jets and three Belharra-class frigates, with discussions underway for a potential fourth frigate. France is also supplying NH-90 military helicopters.
Dendias recently outlined Greece’s shift toward a more agile, technology-driven defense strategy, incorporating AI-powered missile systems, drones, and mobile command units. The overhaul spans all military branches and aligns Greece more closely with key partners, including France, Israel, and the United States.
Under a 2021 defense pact, Greece has committed to significant French-made acquisitions, including cruise missiles, as it seeks to counterbalance Turkey’s military expansion. The decade-long modernization plan aims to ensure Greece remains prepared for evolving high-tech warfare.