Israel will not provide Greece with the source code for the command-and-control system of a $3.5 billion air defence system, according to the head of Israel's Missile Defence Organisation. This decision could impact Greek autonomy and raise questions for other international customers of Israeli military technology.
Israel's decision to withhold source code for a major military sale to Greece could impact Greece's ability to independently operate and upgrade the system, potentially affecting its defence autonomy and raising concerns for other nations purchasing Israeli military technology.
Israel has decided not to provide Greece with the source code for the command-and-control system of the $3.5 billion layered air defence system it is building for its Mediterranean partner, according to the head of Israel's Missile Defence Organisation. Moshe Patel, director of the organisation, told Greek newspaper Kathimerini that the source code was not included in the license to use agreement.
This decision could compromise Greek autonomy over its own air defence system and potentially raise questions for other international customers of Israeli technology, such as Gulf states. The agreement, finalized in August, represents Israel's largest arms export deal.
Following Patel's statement, Israel's defense ministry indicated it would collaborate with Greece to develop a "Greek source code." This code, along with any modifications, is intended to remain under exclusive Greek control and be adapted to Greek operational needs. However, Israel's initial reluctance to share the code may still prompt scrutiny regarding the extent of Israeli control over the system.
Sophisticated military hardware exporters often maintain a technological advantage over their systems. For instance, the US is widely believed to possess a "kill switch" for its F-35 warplane, though the Department of War denies this. Israel's defense ministry has stated that this deal marks the first time it will supply a complete defence array against a wide range of threats.