Greece is significantly modernizing its long-range strike capabilities with the acquisition of the Israeli-produced LORA (Long Range Artillery) ballistic missile system.
This procurement, approved by the government, is a direct strategic response to evolving regional tensions with Turkey.
Credible deterrence and deployment strategy of ballistic missile system in Greece
Defense officials confirm that the purchase, coordinated directly with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), marks a clear effort to bolster Greece’s standoff strike options. The system will be deployed across both the Hellenic Air Force and the Hellenic Army, with ground units receiving the system.
Defense sources indicate a primary focus on key islands across the Aegean to improve Greece’s deterrent posture.
LORA ballistic missile: precision and flexibility
Unveiled at the DEFEA 2025 exhibition in Athens, the LORA system provides Greece with a critical deep-strike capability. It is a road-mobile, surface-to-surface ballistic missile system that boasts a maximum range of 430 kilometers (267 miles), enabling deep-strike capability from Greek territory. The system offers high accuracy with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 meters (32 feet).
It supports flexible deployment and rapid launch-and-move (“shoot-and-scoot”) operations, crucial for evading enemy targeting. The system, which can achieve launch readiness within ten minutes, can be deployed on 4×4 wheeled launchers or adapted for naval use.
Responding to Turkey’s arsenal
The LORA acquisition is a direct countermeasure to Turkey’s increasingly sophisticated and indigenous ballistic missile programs, such as the Bora and Tayfun. By fielding LORA on islands and mainland formations, Athens seeks to establish a credible, symmetrical long-range strike capability.
This move aligns with the broader modernization roadmap outlined in Greece’s national defense plan for 2025–2036.
Deepening Greece-Israel defense partnership
The delivery of LORA reinforces Greece’s deepening defense partnership with Israel. This follows the Hellenic Parliament’s earlier approval in December 2025 for the acquisition of the Israeli PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System) multiple launch rocket system, a deal valued at approximately €650 million (about $757 million).
Together, the LORA and PULS procurements signal a clear and significant evolution in Greek force structure, enhancing both its deterrent posture and rapid strike capabilities.
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