Greece Set to Approve $3.5 Billion Israeli Missile Defense Deal Amid Turkey Tensions

After years of negotiations, Greece's National Security Council is scheduled to approve a major $3.5 billion missile defense deal with Israel on Thursday. The contract involves Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries supplying Greece with an integrated air defense system to protect its skies and islands from ballistic missiles, rockets, drones, and UAVs. The system, dubbed "Achilles Shield" in Greece, includes David's Sling heavy missile defense, mobile Spyder systems against drones and UAVs, and the Barak MX system against aircraft and missiles, along with a national command and control center featuring artificial intelligence.

About 25% of the project will be executed by Greek subcontractors working with the Israeli defense industries. This deal further strengthens the security ties between Greece and Israel, both of which face threats from Turkey and Iran. Greece has previously acquired Spike missiles and Spice bombs from Rafael, Rampage missiles from Elbit and IAI, and is set to approve the purchase of additional Heron-2 drones from IAI worth tens of millions of dollars.

In parallel, Greece will also approve the acquisition of three Brazilian Embraer C-390 military transport aircraft equipped with Elbit systems for $600 million. Additional deals include fast boats for special forces, Hellfire missiles for Apache helicopters, and other equipment, reflecting Greece's accelerated military buildup in response to Turkish threats and U.S. President Donald Trump's call for increased defense spending. Greece has also recently purchased F-35 jets from the U.S. and Rafael-made aircraft from France, positioning its air force to surpass Turkey's in capability.