Key facts
- Greece will sign a $3.6 billion defense deal with Israel.
- The agreement is Israel's largest defense export deal to date.
- The deal provides Greece with a multilayered air defense system, 'Achilles Shield'.
- Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will supply David's Sling and SPYDER systems.
- Israel Aerospace Industries will provide the Barak MX system.
- Greek companies are expected to receive over €700 million as subcontractors.
Greece is set to sign a $3.6 billion defense deal with Israel, marking Israel's largest ever defense export. The agreement, known as 'Achilles Shield' in Greece, will provide Athens with a multilayered air defense system designed to counter threats from aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones.
The deal involves Rafael Advanced Defense Systems supplying David's Sling systems for heavy rockets and ballistic missiles, alongside mobile SPYDER systems for drones. Israel Aerospace Industries will provide the Barak MX system for defense against aircraft and missiles. The agreement also includes a national-level command-and-control center incorporating artificial intelligence capabilities.
Negotiated over three years, the project aims to create an integrated defense network. Greek companies are expected to benefit significantly, with an estimated €700 million of the deal's value allocated to them as subcontractors for Rafael and IAI. The systems are planned to be delivered in stages, with the network expected to be operational within 35 months.
This procurement is part of Greece's broader military modernization plan. The agreement deepens the established defense ties between Greece and Israel, with Israel playing a key role in protecting Greek airspace amidst regional tensions.