Israel Signs $3.3 Billion Air Defense Deal with Greece

Israel and Greece have signed a landmark defense agreement valued at approximately 3 billion euros (over 10 billion shekels), marking the largest defense export deal in Israel's history with Greece and one of its largest ever. Under the agreement, Israel will establish a multi-layered air defense system for Greece, utilizing Israeli technologies to counter threats including ballistic missiles, aerial attacks, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The system, codenamed "Achilles Shield" in Greece, will incorporate the David's Sling system, developed by the Ministry of Defense's Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) and Rafael, the Barak MX system from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and Rafael's Spyder system. Additionally, IAI's Elta Group will supply multi-mission radar systems (MMR), and Rafael will lead the development of a new national command and control system to integrate air defense capabilities.

The deal was signed by Israeli Ministry of Defense Director-General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Yaron and Greek General Directorate of Defence Investments and Armaments Director-General Yannis Bouras at the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv. Several senior officials from both countries' defense industries were present, including DDR&D head Maj. Gen. (res.) Dani Gold and Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman.

In parallel, a separate deal worth 26 million euros (approximately 92 million shekels) was signed for the sale of Rafael's Drone Dome systems, designed to protect strategic sites from drones and UAVs. This expanded cooperation also includes plans for Israel to enhance collaboration with the Greek defense industry, involving knowledge and technology transfer.