Reports of India's "unofficial offering" of its Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM) to Greece have stirred considerable unease in Turkey, set against a backdrop of already strained relations between the three nations. This development, which gained traction following the DEFEA 2025 defense exhibition in Athens, highlights the shifting strategic landscape and growing military cooperation between India and Greece.
The core of the concern lies in the LR-LACM's capabilities. Developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this subsonic cruise missile boasts a range of up to 1,500 km and is designed for precision strikes against high-value targets. These include airbases, radar installations, command centers, and air defense systems. Its advanced features, such as terrain-hugging flight, waypoint navigation, and maneuverability, make it difficult to intercept by modern air defense systems. The missile can be launched from land, naval vessels, and potentially air platforms. According to reports, the missile is a derivative of the Nirbhay cruise missile and is powered by the indigenous Manik Small Turbofan Engine (STFE).
For Greece, acquiring the LR-LACM could provide a significant strategic advantage in its long-standing rivalry with Turkey, particularly in the Aegean Sea. The missile's range would theoretically allow Greece to strike critical Turkish military infrastructure, including airbases and S-400 batteries. Some analysts have drawn parallels to the swift neutralization of Iranian air defenses in a recent operation by Israel, suggesting that the LR-LACM could give Greece a similar capability.
Turkey's apprehension is further fueled by the perception that India's offer is a response to Turkey's support for Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, referred to as "Operation Sindoor". Reports suggest that Turkey provided Pakistan with Baykar drones and munitions during this conflict, straining relations with India. Turkish media outlets have framed the potential missile deal as a "revenge move" and warned that Greece could now "target Ankara".
The strengthening of India-Greece military ties is evident in several recent developments. These include the signing of a defense cooperation agreement, joint military exercises, and high-level visits between military officials. A recent visit by Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh to Athens, where he met with his Greek counterpart and engaged with Greek aircrews, underscores this growing cooperation.
India has been making strides in becoming a major defense exporter. The country's defense exports have seen a significant rise, reaching ₹23,622 crore in the financial year 2024-25. The government aims to increase this to ₹50,000 crore by 2029. India now exports military hardware to over 80 countries, including the United States and France. The BrahMos missile, jointly developed with Russia, is a prominent example of India's defense export capabilities.
While the reports of India's LR-LACM offer to Greece have sparked considerable debate and concern, it's important to note that there has been no official confirmation from either the Indian or Greek governments. Nevertheless, the speculation surrounding this potential deal has already heightened tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and drawn strong reactions from Turkey, underscoring the evolving defense dynamics in the region.
