The Greek parliament approved a $758 million purchase of 36 PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System) launchers from Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems on Thursday, according to the Jerusalem Post.
The Greek Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee approved the purchase in a closed-door session, following a year of deliberation that included several delays due to the Gaza war.
Part of a Broader Defense Strategy
This purchase appears to be the first step in a partnership that would include a $3 billion investment in creating a “multi-layered air and missile defense dome over Greece”, Greek media reported.
The deal is part of Greece’s $28 billion military modernization program running until 2036. The program aims to rebuild the Greek armed forces, which were severely impacted by the 2009-2018 financial crisis.
Greece-Turkey Tensions
The move comes as Turkey continues its military growth and seeks to gain influence in the region. Both countries are NATO members but maintain a tense relationship, with Greece focused on strengthening defense of its Aegean Sea islands.
The PULS systems will be deployed to strategic Aegean islands capable of striking deep into Turkish territory, from Izmir to Istanbul.
The main conflicts between the two nations center around maritime borders, energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean, airspace violations, and the status of Cyprus. The island has been divided into North (Turkish) and South (Greek) since Turkey invaded in 1974.
Turkey’s Steel Dome
Turkey announced its own major air defense initiative in November 2025, signing $6.5 billion worth of contracts to develop its integrated, multi-layered Steel Dome air defense system. Turkey first announced plans to build the Steel Dome, similar to Israel’s Iron Dome system, in July 2024.
The Turkish project comprises 47 components, including radars, missiles, electro-optical sensors, command and control centers, and air defense elements with different ranges.
About the PULS System
The PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System) is a modular rocket artillery system manufactured by Elbit Systems. The system has a range of up to 300 kilometers and can fire various types of rockets and missiles from the same launcher.
The Israeli-made system offers operational advantages that distinguish it from competitors like the U.S.-made HIMARS or older Soviet-era systems, including greater flexibility and precision strike capabilities.
