Greece signs €3 billion air defence deal with Israel
Greece signed agreements with Israel for a multi-layer air defence system as part of its Achilles Shield modernisation programme.
Tel Aviv, Israel. Greece signed agreements with Israel to acquire a multi-layer air defence system worth about €3 billion, according to two security sources cited by Reuters.
The purchase is part of Greece’s wider Achilles Shield military modernisation programme.
Missile, radar and anti-drone systems
Greece’s security council had given initial approval for the agreement, which covers advanced short-, medium- and long-range missile systems.
One official said Greek representatives signed four agreements in Tel Aviv with Israeli defence directorates SIBAT and MAFAT covering three types of missiles and radar systems. A separate agreement for an anti-drone system was also signed, the source said.
Israel’s Defence Ministry said it would sell Greece Drone Dome systems under a €26 million deal. The ministry said the wider package includes Rafael’s David’s Sling and SPYDER systems, as well as the Barak MX system produced by Israel Aerospace Industries.
Israel will build a multi-layer defence system for Greece based on Israeli architecture, the ministry said.
Achilles Shield programme
Athens plans to spend about €28 billion by 2036 under the Achilles Shield programme, which envisages a multi-layer anti-ballistic, anti-aircraft and anti-drone system.
The broader modernisation plan also includes the purchase of up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the United States and new frigates from France and Italy.
Greece currently relies on US-made Patriot systems, Russian S-300 systems and various short-range air defence systems to protect its airspace.
The country spends nearly 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product on defence, a higher share than many NATO allies, reflecting its long-running dispute with neighbouring Turkey.
Defence cooperation
Greece and Israel maintain economic and diplomatic ties, jointly operate an air training centre in Greece, conduct annual joint military exercises and cooperate on anti-drone systems and cybersecurity.
Last year, Athens bought 36 Israeli-made rocket artillery systems for about €650 million.
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