Greece to Deploy New Israeli Loara Surface-to-Surface Missile in Aegean Islands and Eastern Mediterranean.

Greece is set to acquire the Israeli-made LORA ballistic missile system, according to a December 4, 2025, report from Greek outlet BankingNews. The deal gives the Hellenic Armed Forces a precision strike range of roughly 430 kilometers and signals a major shift in Athens' defense posture.

Greece will bring the Israeli-produced LORA ballistic missile system into service as part of a government-approved procurement, reported on December 4, 2025, by Greek financial and geopolitical site BankingNews. Defense officials familiar with the plan said the purchase was coordinated directly with Israel Aerospace Industries and reflects a broader effort to modernize Greece's standoff strike options as regional tensions and deterrence requirements evolve in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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Israeli-made LORA ballistic missile system mounted on a 16-ton flatbed truck, showcasing its road-mobile launcher configuration capable of rapid deployment and precision strikes up to 430 km. The sealed canister design enables shoot-and-scoot operations with full 360-degree engagement capability. (Picture source/copyright: ArmyRecognition Group)

Greek defense sources confirm that LORA units will not be confined to Air Force control. Ground units of the Hellenic Army will also be equipped with the system. According to these sources, deployment will focus on key islands across the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. Regional analysts interpret this as a calculated escalation in Greece’s posture. Greece is leveraging advanced deterrence amid strained Greek-Turkish relations.

LORA was unveiled at the DEFEA 2025 exhibition in Athens. It is a road-mobile, surface-to-surface ballistic missile system with a maximum range of 430 kilometers and a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 meters. This precision enables deep-strike capability from Greek territory. The system can be deployed on 4×4 wheeled launchers or adapted for naval use, supporting flexible deployment and rapid launch-and-move ('shoot-and-scoot') operations that hinder enemy targeting.

Greek defense officials view the acquisition as a direct response to Turkey’s increasingly sophisticated missile arsenal. Specifically, Ankara has advanced indigenous ballistic missile programs, including the Bora and Tayfun, prompting Athens to pursue a credible deterrent. By fielding LORA on islands and mainland formations, Greece seeks symmetrical long-range strike capabilities. This approach supports the broader modernization roadmap outlined in the national defense plan for 2025–2036.

Beyond strategic messaging, LORA introduces significant operational advantages. The system can launch within 10 minutes of reaching a firing position and displace within three minutes after launch to evade counterstrikes. Each battery includes 48 missiles on launchers, with an additional 48 missiles on reload vehicles. LORA can fire all 48 missiles in under two minutes.

LORA reduces the logistical burden by achieving the same effects with fewer munitions. It supports warhead types such as multi-purpose, penetration, and blast-fragmentation, enabling tailored mission effects. The system requires no azimuth alignment, offering continuous 360-degree engagement. Its sealed 'wooden round' design eliminates the need for preventive maintenance and boosts reliability.

Technically, LORA is a single-stage, solid-propellant ballistic missile guided by a combined GNSS and inertial navigation system. Each missile weighs approximately 1,600 kg and measures 5.2 m in length with a diameter of 624 mm. Mounted on a standard 16-ton flatbed military truck, the battery is compact yet powerful, enabling deployment across varied terrains, including island environments.

The delivery of LORA coincides with Greece’s deepening defense partnership with Israel. Earlier in December 2025, the Hellenic Parliament approved the acquisition of the Israeli PULS multiple launch rocket system. That deal is valued at approximately 650 million euros. Together, these procurements signal a clear evolution in Greek force structure. They enhance both its deterrent posture and rapid strike capabilities.

Strategically, island-based LORA deployments place high-value Turkish assets within reach of immediate and accurate strikes. Airbases, naval installations, and logistics centers along the Turkish coast now fall within effective range. Politically, the deployment underscores Greece’s determination to safeguard its maritime and territorial claims. The country is using sovereign capabilities that do not rely exclusively on airpower or alliance support.

Official statements from either Athens or Jerusalem remain limited. However, defense insiders report that Greek personnel began training on LORA systems in mid-2025 under a classified bilateral protocol. First deliveries are expected in early 2026. Operational certification is expected by the end of the year.

Turkey is already taking note. Turkish military planners are reportedly exploring ways to enhance national missile defense architecture. This includes redeployments of Hisar-O and the Siper air defense systems along the western coast.

Whether LORA’s arrival will stabilize or further inflame regional tensions remains to be seen. What is clear is that Greece now joins a select group of nations. These nations are capable of executing precision-guided ballistic strikes from mobile platforms. With LORA, the Hellenic Armed Forces have redefined their strategic options. Greece has taken a decisive step toward independent deterrence in a rapidly evolving security environment.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.