# Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East security shifts > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eastern-mediterranean-and-middle-east-security-shifts > Updated: 2026-09-10T15:46:31.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 4. Geopolitical tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East are being shaped by shifts in defense industry cooperation and regional security strategies. The partnership between Turkey’s BAYKAR and Italy’s Leonardo to form LBA Systems has produced the Astore Levante, a Bayraktar TB3 variant designed for long-duration surveillance, targeting, and electronic warfare for the Italian Armed Forces. Greek officials have expressed anxiety regarding Turkey’s regional influence, specifically citing the ‘Blue Homeland’ doctrine and maritime activities. To bolster security, Greece is considering relocating Patriot air defense systems from Kerpe Island to Suda Bay to protect U.S. facilities from potential Iranian strikes if U.S. military operations against Iran expand. Concurrently, Turkey is expanding its technological influence through growing cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to enhance security in the Persian Gulf, a move analysts suggest could fill gaps as traditional alliances reconfigure. Friction has intensified regarding military cooperation between Greece and Israel, involving joint exercises and collaboration in drones, air defense, and cybersecurity. Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler stated that Ankara is monitoring the situation and has taken ‘necessary measures’ to protect Turkish interests, as the Turkish Parliament demands responses regarding the strengthening of the Athens-Tel Aviv axis. Reports suggest Israel may provide air training infrastructure in Greece, potentially strengthening an Israel-Cyprus-Greece axis. In response to these regional shifts, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias met with Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation. The ministers characterized Greece and Cyprus as an ‘axis of stability, seriousness, and security in the Eastern Mediterranean,’ focusing on the Cyprus issue, international law, and the implementation of ‘Agenda 2030’ for defense technology. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Greece and Cyprus discuss defense cooperation and regional security Greek and Cypriot Defense Ministers met in Athens to strengthen military cooperation and discuss security in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Cyprus issue, and the war in Ukraine. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-and-cyprus-strengthen-defense-cooperation-and-regional-security-axis ### 2026-08-24: Turkey monitors growing Greece-Israel military cooperation Turkey is monitoring and responding to expanding military cooperation between Greece and Israel, specifically regarding air defense, drones, and cybersecurity in the Eastern Mediterranean. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-monitors-growing-greece-israel-military-cooperation ### 2026-08-19: Regional security shifts as Greece reinforces bases and Turkey expands defense role Greece considers reinforcing U.S. bases with Patriot systems amid Middle East tensions, while reports highlight Turkey's growing regional influence through its advancing defense industry. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/regional-security-shifts-as-greece-reinforces-bases-and-turkey-expands-defense-role ### 2026-08-12: Turkey-Italy defense cooperation sparks strategic concern in Greece Growing defense ties between Turkey and Italy, specifically the BAYKAR-Leonardo partnership, and Turkey's maritime doctrines are driving strategic concerns and heightened alert in Greece. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-italy-defense-cooperation-sparks-strategic-concern-in-greece --- Cite as: Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East security shifts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eastern-mediterranean-and-middle-east-security-shifts