Israel and Greece signed a $3.4 billion agreement, worth approximately €3 billion, today at the headquarters of Israel’s Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv for the delivery of advanced air defense systems.
Greece’s new defensive architecture, dubbed “Achilles’ Shield”
Known in Greece as “Achilles’ Shield,” the system is designed as a multilayered network capable of addressing a wide range of threats, from ballistic missiles to small drones.
The agreement is expected to expand industrial defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen defense-related supply chains. The deal had been anticipated for several months.
Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias described the project as a key element of the reform of Greece’s armed forces and an essential response to today’s geopolitical and technological challenges.
“Achilles’ Shield” will operate as an integrated deterrence system linking ships, aircraft, ground platforms, autonomous systems and satellites through a single network-centric architecture. The connected platforms will be able to share data collected by their sensors.
Israel to deliver a complete defensive array for the first time
For Israel, the agreement represents a first. It is the first time the country will provide a foreign partner with a complete defense architecture capable of countering multiple categories of threats at the same time.
Greece’s system will rely entirely on Israeli-made technologies and will draw on the operational experience accumulated by Israel’s defense industry and military institutions during recent conflicts.
The package includes the medium-range David’s Sling interceptor system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with U.S. support. The system carried out its first combat interception in 2023 and has also been exported to Finland.
Greece will also receive the Barak MX system, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries and already sold to several international customers. Rafael’s Spyder air defense system is also included in the agreement. Romania recently acquired the same system in a deal worth several billion dollars.
Israeli radars to monitor Greece’s airspace
In addition to interceptor systems, Greece will acquire MMR radars manufactured by Elta, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries.
Similar Israeli-made radar technologies are already used by the Czech Republic and Slovakia, further expanding Israel’s role in the defense architecture of European countries.
Largest defense agreement between Israel and Greece
The contract signed in Tel Aviv is the largest defense agreement in the history of military cooperation between Israel and Greece.
The deal also includes the transfer of knowledge and technology to Greek industry, with the goal of expanding industrial cooperation and developing local defense capabilities.
Israeli companies have already secured other major projects in Greece. These include the development of an international military flight training center in Kalamata by Elbit Systems.
Defense cooperation between the two countries, including joint military exercises, has intensified in recent years. Israel regards Greece as a strategic partner in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Defense exports become a strategic tool for Israel
Maj. Gen. Amir Baram, director-general of Israel’s Ministry of Defense, said the agreement reflects the ministry’s strategy of turning defense exports into a driver of Israeli military development, international influence and the growth of the country’s defense industry and economy.
The contract is also expected to expand Israel’s production lines and increase its weapons stockpiles. Both objectives have become priorities for Western countries facing pressure on industrial capacity and military reserves amid the war in Ukraine and confrontations involving Iran.
Israel Aerospace Industries strengthens its position in Europe
Israel Aerospace Industries Chairman Boaz Levy said the agreement with Greece follows several years of expansion in the Greek market, carried out in cooperation with local partners.
Levy said the company’s operational air defense systems had demonstrated their effectiveness in recent confrontations with Iran and Iran-backed groups, successfully intercepting various threats, including exo-atmospheric ballistic missiles.
Greece’s decision further strengthens the company’s position in Europe. Israel Aerospace Industries previously signed a $6.5 billion agreement with Germany for the delivery of its Arrow air defense system.
