Israel Signs Landmark $3.1 Billion Air Defense Deal With Greece

Israel's Ministry of Defense announced on Monday the completion of a massive $3.1 billion deal, codenamed "Achilles Shield," under which Greece will acquire a multi-layered Israeli air defense system. The agreement, described as the largest ever defense export deal with Greece and one of Israel's largest ever, includes the David's Sling and SPYDER systems from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and the Barak MX system from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

The deal gains significant importance due to the emerging economic and security alliance between Israel and Greece, particularly in light of their shared opposition to Turkey. Israel has experienced escalating diplomatic friction with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan since the start of the "Swords of Iron" war, fueled by conflicting interests in Syria. Greece also has a traditional adversarial relationship with Turkey, including disputes over energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean.

According to the Ministry of Defense, this marks the first time Israel has provided another country with a complete air defense array capable of countering a wide range of threats, including ballistic missiles, aerial attacks, and hostile unmanned aerial vehicles. The comprehensive package also includes IAI's MMR multi-mission radars for air control and a new national command and control system, to be developed under Rafael's leadership, which will integrate all air defense capabilities.

The agreement was finalized in Tel Aviv with the signing by Israeli Defense Ministry Director-General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram and Greek General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments Director Yannis Bouras. A supplementary deal worth $26 million for Rafael's DRONE DOME systems, designed to protect strategic sites from drones, was also signed.

Attendees at the signing ceremony included senior officials from Israel's defense establishment and the involved companies. The Ministry of Defense stated that the project represents a new peak in the defense cooperation between Israel and Greece, highlighting Greece's choice of Israeli technology as the backbone of its ambitious air force modernization program over the past decade as a reflection of deep trust.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant remarked that his recent visit to Greece underscored the strategic depth of their relationship and their shared commitment to strengthening it. He added that Israel and Greece share strategic interests and face common regional challenges, and will continue to deepen their cooperation, especially as certain actors seek to expand their influence and destabilize the region.