Israel and Greece signed a defense agreement worth 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion) on Monday. Under the deal, Israel will develop a multi-layered air defense system for Greece. This agreement comes as Athens advances a major military modernization program. News agency Reuters reported the development. Israel’s Ministry of Defense stated that this is the largest defense export deal in Israel’s history with Greece and one of the largest defense contracts in the country’s history.
Amir Baram, Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Defense, said that the agreement—known as “Achilles Shield”—reflects Israel’s technological capabilities and the battlefield-proven effectiveness of its defense systems. Under the contract, Israel will supply Greece with the “David’s Sling” and “Spyder” defense systems (manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems) and the “Barak MX” system (manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries). Additionally, MMR Multi-Mission Radars—produced by Elta Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)—will be provided for aerial surveillance.
Israel utilized “David’s Sling” to intercept Iranian missiles during conflicts earlier this year. Greece will be the second buyer of this defense system, following Finland. Greece spends approximately 3.5 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defense. Due to a long-standing dispute with neighboring Turkey, its defense spending rate is higher than that of many other NATO allies. Athens plans to spend around 28 billion euros through 2036 to establish the “Achilles Shield” system, which encompasses multi-layered missile interception, air defense, and anti-drone capabilities. There are also plans to purchase up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the United States and frigates from France and Italy.
