Report: Greece Nears €3 Billion Israeli Air-Defense Deal to Build “Achilles Shield”
Athens is expected to finalize a government-to-government agreement with Israel for advanced multi-layer air-defense systems, marking one of the region’s largest defense procurements in recent years
Photo: IAI
The major defense deal between Greece and Israel is in its final stages, as the Greek government advances approval of one of the largest and most significant procurement projects seen in the region in recent years.
According to a report published on Directus, the two countries are closer than ever to signing a government-to-government (G2G) agreement under which Athens will purchase advanced Israeli air-defense systems worth a total of approximately €3 billion.
These systems are expected to form the backbone of Greece’s new defense architecture, officially named Achilles Shield. The main goal of the project is to create a multi-layered, synchronized defense network designed to provide a comprehensive, modern response to a wide range of current aerial threats, including aircraft, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and drones.
Security sources in Greece indicate that the ambitious program includes the integration of some of the leading Israeli defense technologies on the market. Among the systems expected to be incorporated into the Greek arsenal are the “David’s Sling” and the “Spyder All-in-One” systems developed by Rafael, along with the “Barak MX” system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries.
The Greek government’s Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) is expected to give final approval within the coming weeks, enabling Greece’s defense procurement directorate and Israel’s Defense Export Controls Agency (SIBAT) at the Ministry of Defense to sign the official contracts. Beyond the delivery of launchers and interceptors, the deal also includes command-and-control centers, logistical support infrastructure, and full operational connectivity of all components into a unified network.
One of the most significant achievements in the current negotiations, according to officials in Athens, was resolving complex legal and technological hurdles, particularly around local industry participation.
Greece had set a firm requirement for industrial cooperation of at least 25% of the program’s total value. Israeli companies were initially cautious about transferring advanced technological know-how, but a compromise was ultimately reached allowing leading Greek companies, including Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) and Intracom Defense, to take an active role in manufacturing critical components such as advanced housings, wiring, and launcher casings.
This cooperation is expected not only to strengthen the local economy, but also to enable these companies to integrate into future international supply chains of Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries, while ensuring Greece’s long-term ability to maintain the systems and interceptors.