OR Greece is in talks with the Israel for the development of an anti-aircraft system worth 2 billion euros, as part of a broader effort to modernize the country’s armed forces, Greek officials told Reuters on Thursday.

The defense system will probably mimic the Iron Dome Israel’s and other systems that intercept short- and long-range missiles fired during strikes by its neighbors amid conflicts in Gaza with Hamas and Lebanon with Hezbollah.

“Greece wishes to invest in its defense to keep pace with its NATO ally and historical rival, the Turkeywhich is also developing its own air defenses, despite some improvement in relations,” notes the international agency.

“The plan is to create a multi-layered anti-aircraft and anti-drone system”a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters after a closed-door briefing with Defense Minister Nikos Dendias.

“We are in discussions with Israel”the same source noted.

A second official confirmed the scale of the potential deal, adding that Greece must spend 12.8 billion euros. euros by 2035 to modernize its armed forces.

The air defense is part of Athens’ 10-year military procurement plan, which includes the acquisition of up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets and drones from the US, as well as four Belharra frigates and Rafale jets from France, Reuters points out.

“Frour desire is for a rapid transition of our armed forces into the 21st century”the Minister of Defense N. Dendias before Thursday’s briefing.

Greece currently uses US Patriot systems and older Russian S-300 systems to protect its airspace, Reuters adds.

“Despite some improvement in Greece’s long-troubled relations with Turkey, its much larger eastern neighbor, the two countries remain at odds over a range of issues, including maritime borders, energy resources and airspace in the eastern Mediterranean.”the agency concludes.