By Admin
Israel and Greece have signed a landmark defence agreement worth approximately €3 billion ($3.48 billion), under which Israel will develop a comprehensive, multi-layered air and missile defence system for Greece.
The agreement, known as the “Achilles Shield”, is aimed at strengthening Greece’s ability to defend its territory against a broad range of aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, aircraft, rockets and drones.
The planned defence network will combine several Israeli-made systems into an integrated architecture, allowing Greece to deploy different layers of protection depending on the nature and range of an incoming threat.
The systems expected to form part of the programme include David’s Sling, designed to intercept heavy rockets and ballistic missiles; SPYDER, which provides protection against aircraft and unmanned aerial systems; and BARAK MX, an advanced system capable of countering aircraft and various types of missiles.
The new network is expected to complement Greece’s existing defence capabilities, including its Patriot missile batteries, creating a broader and more coordinated national air-defence shield.
The agreement also includes a separate contract for Drone Dome systems, which are designed to detect and neutralise hostile drones. The increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern conflicts has made counter-drone technology a major priority for many countries.
Greek defence companies are expected to participate in the programme, with the agreement providing opportunities for industrial cooperation, technology transfer and the development of local defence capabilities.
The deal forms part of Greece’s broader military modernisation programme, known as Agenda 2030, under which Athens is seeking to upgrade its armed forces and improve its ability to respond to emerging security challenges.
Greek authorities expect the multi-layered defence system to become operational in phases, with the overall programme projected to be implemented over the coming years.
The agreement further strengthens the growing strategic relationship between Israel and Greece, particularly in the areas of defence, security and military technology.
For Israel, the deal represents a major expansion of its defence exports and provides another significant international market for its missile-defence and counter-drone technologies.
The agreement comes at a time when countries across the Middle East and Mediterranean are increasingly investing in advanced air-defence systems because of the growing threat posed by ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.
The Israeli Defence Ministry described the agreement as a major milestone in bilateral defence cooperation, while Greece views the project as a key component of its effort to build a modern, integrated and technologically advanced national defence shield.
