Key facts
- Greece's security council, KYSEA, is expected to approve a €3.5 billion air defence system purchase from Israel.
- The deal also includes the acquisition of several types of drones from the U.S. and Israel.
- The planned air defence system is named 'Achilles Shield' and will feature Israeli radars and missiles.
- Greece intends to spend approximately €28 billion by 2036 on military modernization.
- Greece allocates nearly 3.5% of its GDP to defence spending.
Greece's security council, KYSEA, is anticipated to grant final approval for a significant procurement of a multi-layer air defence system from Israel, valued at up to €3.5 billion ($4 billion), along with various types of drones. This decision follows an initial approval earlier this year.
The planned system, dubbed 'Achilles Shield', will form a multi-layer anti-ballistic, anti-aircraft, and anti-drone capability, with Israeli radars and missiles from Rafael and IAI at its core. The Greek government has outlined a substantial plan to modernize its armed forces, allocating approximately €28 billion by 2036, which includes acquiring new F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. and frigates from France and Italy.
Greece's commitment to defence is underscored by its expenditure of nearly 3.5% of its gross domestic product, a figure higher than many NATO allies, largely due to its ongoing dispute with Turkey. The nation maintains robust economic and diplomatic ties with Israel, evidenced by joint military exercises, an air training center on Greek territory, and collaboration on anti-drone and cybersecurity technologies. Last year, Greece approved the purchase of 36 Israeli-made rocket artillery systems for approximately €650 million. The upcoming KYSEA approval will also encompass drone acquisitions from both U.S. and Israeli manufacturers. Greece currently relies on U.S. Patriot and older Russian S-300 systems for its airspace protection.