Israel and Greece have formalised a defence agreement worth approximately €3 billion, under which Israel will construct a multi-layered aerial defence network for Greece. The deal, announced on Monday, is the largest defence export contract in the history of bilateral ties between the two countries, according to Israel's defence ministry.
The system, named "Achilles Shield," will rely entirely on Israeli-made technology and draw on operational experience gained during recent conflicts. The agreement was signed in Tel Aviv by Major General Amir Baram, director general of Israel's defence ministry, and his Greek counterpart, Ioannis Bouras.
Greece's military modernisation push
Greece's defence ministry described the purchase as part of "the greatest reform of its armed forces in its history." Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said that recent technological advances "have long rendered existing defence doctrines completely obsolete." He also noted that Greece is the first EU member state to adopt such a comprehensive, multi-layered air defence system.
The package includes David's Sling, Barak MX, and SPYDER interception systems, along with air surveillance radars and a new national command and control system. All equipment will be supplied by Israeli contractors Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries, including its subsidiary ELTA Systems. A separate €26 million deal covers Rafael's anti-drone systems.
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasised shared strategic interests, stating: "Israel and Greece share common strategic interests and face shared regional challenges." He added that both nations would continue to deepen defence cooperation amid "actors with hegemonic ambitions" seeking to destabilise the region—a likely reference to Turkey.
Greece is one of only four European NATO members to allocate at least 3% of its GDP to defence, reflecting decades of tension with Turkey. Israel has also had recent friction with Ankara, including a strike on a disused Syrian military base to prevent Turkish deployment there.
This agreement follows Israel's 2023 deal with Germany for the Arrow 3 anti-ballistic missile system, expanded in December to a total value of $6.5 billion (€5.6 billion), making it Israel's largest military export contract to date.
The move comes as European nations reassess their defence capabilities. Switzerland's plans for a drone battalion highlight this broader trend. Meanwhile, EU maritime defence spending has reached record levels in response to emerging threats.
Greece's investment in advanced air defence is part of a wider effort to modernise its forces, with the government committing €4.2 billion to the Achilles Shield programme. The deal underscores the growing defence ties between Israel and European nations, as both seek to address shared security challenges.
