Greece to buy $4 billion ‘Israeli’ air defense system
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Greece’s top security body has given final approval to a multi-layer air defense system worth up to $4 billion from ‘Israel’, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced.
The Government Council for National Security (KYSEA) endorsed the procurement contracts after granting initial approval earlier this year.
The system, known as “Achilles Shield,” aims to counter ballistic missiles, aircraft, and drones.
‘Israeli’ radars and missiles from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will form the core of the network.
It combines Rafael’s David’s Sling for long-range threats, IAI’s Barak MX for medium-range coverage, and Rafael’s Spyder for short-range defense.
“It will be ready and fully operational within 35 months, starting from today,” Dendias told journalists, noting that Greek companies will produce at least 25 percent of the system.
The package also includes several types of drones—among them ‘Israeli’ Heron UAVs and US V-BAT systems—along with three Embraer C-390 military transport aircraft and 10 British-built VICTA mini-submarines for special operations.
Last year Greece acquired 36 ‘Israeli’ PULS rocket artillery systems for about €650 million.
Greece currently relies on US Patriot batteries and older Russian S-300 systems.
The new multi-layered array is intended to boost its air defenses amid long-standing tensions with Turkey.
Athens spends nearly 3.5 percent of its GDP on defense—higher than many NATO peers—and plans to invest roughly €28 billion by 2036 in armed forces upgrades, including up to 40 F-35 fighter jets and new frigates.
The deal ranks among ‘Israel’s’ largest defense exports, surpassing the previous record $3.5 billion Arrow missile sale to Germany in 2023.
Greece and ‘Israel’ maintain close military ties, including a joint air training center on Greek soil, annual drills, and cooperation on anti-drone and cybersecurity efforts.
