Israel and Greece Sign Landmark $3.2 Billion Air Defense Deal

Israel and Greece have signed a landmark defense agreement worth approximately 3 billion euros (over $10 billion shekels) for Israel to establish a multi-layered air defense system for Greece, dubbed "Achilles Shield." This deal represents the largest-ever defense export from Israel to Greece and one of the largest defense deals in Israeli history.

The agreement comes amid ongoing regional tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly with Turkey, as Athens seeks to bolster its defenses against various aerial threats. The system will integrate Israeli defense technologies and operational expertise, designed to counter ballistic missiles, aerial attacks, drones, and other advanced threats.

The signing ceremony in Tel Aviv was attended by Israeli Ministry of Defense Director-General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Yaron and Greek General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments Director Yannis Bouras. Key Israeli defense officials and industry leaders, including heads of Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries, were also present.

Under the "Achilles Shield" project, Greece will receive several advanced Israeli systems, including David's Sling, the Barak MX system, and MMR multi-mission radars from IAI, as well as Rafael's SPYDER system. A new national command and control system will also be developed to integrate all capabilities.

Additionally, a supplementary deal worth 26 million euros for DRONE DOME systems, designed to protect strategic sites from drones, was finalized. The agreements also include enhanced industrial and defense cooperation, involving knowledge and technology transfer to Greece's local industry. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz hailed the deal as a step towards strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations in facing shared regional challenges.