India Offers LR‑LACM Missile to Greece, Turkey Sounds Alarm
Turkish media has reacted with alarm after unverified reports surfaced that India “unofficially” offered its indigenously developed long-range land-attack cruise missile (LR‑LACM) to Greece. This dramatic claim comes amid shifting defence tie dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions, as India deepens military cooperation with Greece—whose maritime dispute with Turkey has long strained regional stability.
The LR‑LACM, developed by DRDO under the Nirbhay missile program, was showcased at Greece’s DEFEA 2025 defence expo earlier this year. The missile is reported to have a range of up to 1,500 km over land and 1,000 km from naval platforms, with terrain-hugging flight capabilities and precision strike accuracy. Turkish outlets such as TR Haber suggest Greece may integrate these missiles onto its Rafale and F‑16 jets, potentially enabling attacks on strategic Turkish assets in the Aegean—including airbases and radar stations.
Reportedly fueled by India’s growing strategic alignment with Greece—partly in response to Turkey’s drone and tactical support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor—this missile offer is seen as a provocative counter‑balance by Ankara. Turkish commentary framed the move as a “revenge” posture, warning it could shift the regional power equation in favour of Greece.
Meanwhile, Greek defence platforms like GeoStratigika and Pentapostagma are signaling interest in the LR‑LACM’s capabilities. Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh visited Athens this year and conducted exercises with Greek counterparts, though neither the Indian nor Greek governments have officially confirmed any missile sale.
The LR‑LACM is still undergoing development, with its first test flight conducted in November 2024. It is expected to reach full operational capability by late 2028. Any export would require clearance from the Indian government and formal agreements with Greece—neither of which has been formally announced.
If validated, this potential deal could mark a milestone in India’s emergence as a defence exporter and signal a broader realignment of strategic relationships. Turkey, in response, may accelerate its own military modernization. The coming months will likely reveal whether this missile saga represents speculative media hype or the beginning of a substantive defence partnership.
