Athens, Greece. Greece’s security council, KYSEA, is expected on Thursday to give final approval for the purchase of a multi-layer air defence system from Israel worth up to €3.5 billion ($4 billion), along with several types of drones, according to two sources.
The planned system, known as Achilles Shield, is intended to provide anti-ballistic, anti-aircraft and anti-drone protection.
Procurement plans
KYSEA gave initial approval to the programme earlier this year and is expected to approve the procurement contracts, an official familiar with the matter said.
Israeli radars and missiles produced by Rafael and IAI are expected to form the core of the Achilles Shield system. KYSEA is also expected to approve purchases of drones from the United States and Israel, the official said.
A second official confirmed the planned Israeli air defence system and drone purchases.
Defence modernisation
Greece has said it plans to spend about €28 billion by 2036 to modernise its armed forces. The programme includes plans to buy up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the United States and frigates from France and Italy.
Greece spends nearly 3.5% of gross domestic product on defence, a higher proportion than many NATO countries, amid its long-standing dispute with Turkey.
Security cooperation with Israel
Greece and Israel maintain strong economic and diplomatic ties. The two countries operate an air training centre in Greece, hold annual joint military exercises and cooperate on anti-drone systems and cybersecurity.
Greece last year approved the purchase of 36 Israeli-made rocket artillery systems for about €650 million.
The country currently relies on U.S. Patriot systems and older Russian S-300 systems to protect its airspace.