Greece and Israel have formalized a significant defense agreement worth €3 billion ($3.5 billion), which includes the provision of ballistic missiles, aircraft, and drones. This arrangement, announced on Monday, will see Israel develop a multi-layered air defense system for Greece as the country ramps up its military modernization efforts, as reported by Reuters and Politico.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense declared that this is the largest defense export deal ever concluded between Israel and Greece and ranks among the most substantial in Israel’s history.
Amir Baram, General Director at the Israeli Ministry of Defense, noted that the deal, dubbed the “Achilles Shield,” exemplifies “Israel’s technological advantage and the proven performance of our defense systems in the field.”
As part of the agreement, Israel will supply Greece with the “David’s Sling” and “SPYDER” systems, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, alongside the “BARAK MX” system from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Additionally, Greece will receive advanced MMR radars from ELTA Systems, a subsidiary of IAI, for air surveillance operations.
The “David’s Sling” defense system has previously been utilized by Israel to intercept Iranian missiles during this year’s conflict with Iran, making Greece its second international customer after Finland.
As a NATO member since 1952, Greece allocates nearly 3.5% of its GDP to defense, a figure that exceeds that of many NATO allies, particularly due to its long-standing disputes with neighboring Turkey.
Greece plans to invest roughly €28 billion by 2036 to establish the multi-layered “Achilles Shield” system, which will encompass ballistic missile, air, and drone defense. The country also aims to acquire up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the United States and frigates from France and Italy.
Additionally, the agreement includes provisions for a new national command and control system developed by Rafael to integrate Greece’s air defense capabilities.
A supplementary agreement worth €26 million will see Israel provide its “Drone Dome” systems to Greece for protecting strategic assets against drone threats and enhancing existing defenses.
Israel will also extend its defense industrial cooperation with Greece, including technology transfers and expertise to the local defense industry.
In January, Greece and Israel agreed to deepen collaboration in areas such as drone swarms, underwater vehicles, cyber threats, military exercises, and defense technology, aligning with Greece’s “Agenda 2030” military reform initiative aimed at modernizing its armed forces and boosting domestic arms production.
Greece is positioning itself ahead of other European buyers of Israeli air defense systems. Germany purchased the “Arrow 3” system in 2023, while Finland acquired the “David’s Sling” in 2024. Greece asserts that it will be the first EU country to integrate multiple Israeli platforms into a unified national defense shield against ballistic missiles, aircraft, and drones.
