Israel and Greece close to signing ‘massive defence deal’ worth £1.3bn

The governments of Israel and Greece were reportedly close to agreeing a “massive defence deal” worth £1.3 billion after the Israeli Defence Ministry won a tender to build a training base for the Greek Air Force.

Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems will construct then operate the base for 20 years, supply training aircraft equipped with Israeli avionics and running flight simulators. The Greek air force are also buying ten jets as part of the deal.

It is the latest sign of strengthening relations between Jerusalem and Athens and follows a deal last year in which the Greeks will lease Israeli drones. The two countries have shared interests in the Mediterranean, where enormous gas reserves are being fought over between states including Turkey.