India Expands Defense Footprint in Eastern Mediterranean With Eye on Turkey: Report
Athens — India’s willingness to export advanced defense equipment to Turkey’s rivals is being viewed as a counterbalance to Ankara’s military and diplomatic support for Pakistan on global platforms, according to a report.
A report in Greek City Times, citing Turkish defense analyst Ardan Zenturk, said Greece’s possible acquisition of India’s supersonic BrahMos missile could significantly alter the military balance in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The report said Turkish media and defense circles have expressed concern over an emerging multibillion-dollar strategic defense partnership involving India, Greece and Cyprus.
“The BrahMos missile, capable of speeds between Mach 2.8 and 3.0, flies at extremely low altitudes — skimming as low as 10 metres above the sea surface. Analysts like Zenturk argue this capability could blind or overwhelm Turkey’s Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence systems,” the report said.
For Greece and Cyprus, land-based coastal BrahMos batteries could offer a cost-effective alternative to building large surface fleets, the report said. At an estimated $3.5 million per missile, a small number of well-positioned launchers could create a strong anti-access and area-denial shield, placing Turkey’s larger navy at a disadvantage.
The report said Turkish concerns are not limited to the BrahMos missile. Ankara is also closely watching India’s development of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile, which could threaten critical infrastructure on the Turkish mainland from the Aegean islands.
Because direct weapons transfers to Greece could create diplomatic and legal complications within NATO, Turkish intelligence reportedly believes Cyprus could be used as an indirect channel.
“New Delhi and Nicosia recently upgraded relations to a strategic partnership and signed a five-year defence cooperation roadmap. Cyprus is also exploring a €1.2 billion defence procurement package under the EU’s SAFE programme, which includes interest in Indian cruise missiles and kamikaze drones,” the report said.
While no official sales agreement has been announced by New Delhi or Athens, the report said the BrahMos missile’s psychological and tactical deterrent effect has already pushed Ankara to reassess its security posture.
A separate report last month said the BrahMos missile has become a symbol of India’s growing defense strength as the country advances toward becoming a major arms exporter. It said India’s expanding missile manufacturing capabilities and outreach, particularly across the Global South, are strengthening the country’s defense self-reliance and raising its profile globally.
According to India Narrative, defense exports have emerged as an important foreign policy tool for India as the country seeks to position itself as a major global player while strengthening diplomatic influence and global partnerships. (Source: IANS)
