Israel and Greece signed a €3 billion, or $3.5 billion, defence agreement on Monday, according to defence officials. Under the terms of the accord, Israel will build a multi-layered air defence system for Greece as Athens advances its broader military modernisation programme.
Amir Baram, director general of Israel’s defence ministry, stated that the project, known as the Achilles Shield deal, reflects “Israel’s technological edge and the proven track record of our defence systems in the field.”
System Components and the Achilles Shield Programme
Under the contract, Israel will supply Greece with several advanced defence platforms produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Deliveries will include the David’s Sling and SPYDER systems from Rafael, alongside the BARAK MX system manufactured by IAI. Additionally, IAI unit ELTA Systems will provide MMR multi-mission radars for air surveillance.
The agreement also covers a new national command-and-control system developed by Rafael to integrate Greece’s air-defence capabilities. A supplementary €26 million agreement will provide Rafael’s Drone Dome systems to protect strategic sites against drones and reinforce existing defences. Furthermore, the pact expands defence-industrial cooperation, including the transfer of technology and expertise to local Greek industry.
Strategic Context and Regional Modernisation
The multi-layered air defence network is a central component of Athens’ plan to spend roughly €28 billion by 2036. That broader modernisation effort also includes acquiring up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the United States, alongside frigates from France and Italy. Greece currently allocates nearly 3.5% of its gross domestic product to defence, maintaining a higher proportion than many NATO allies due to a long-standing dispute with neighbouring Turkey.
The deal follows the operational deployment of David’s Sling, which was used by Israel to intercept Iranian missiles during the conflict with Iran earlier in the year. With this purchase, Greece becomes the second international customer for David’s Sling, following Finland.
Did You Know? Greece’s multi-billion-euro defence modernization drive includes plans to purchase up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. and frigates from France and Italy alongside the Israeli air defence systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the defence deal worth?
The defence agreement is valued at €3 billion, which equals approximately $3.5 billion.
What specific systems are included in the Achilles Shield deal?
Israel will supply the David’s Sling and SPYDER systems from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the BARAK MX system from Israel Aerospace Industries, MMR multi-mission radars from ELTA Systems, a Rafael-developed command-and-control network, and Drone Dome systems.
Why is Greece investing heavily in military modernisation?
Athens spends nearly 3.5% of its gross domestic product on defence to support its modernisation goals and address a long-standing dispute with neighbouring Turkey.
How will regional allies respond to the integration of these advanced Israeli air defence networks into European infrastructure?
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