Greece Buys $4 Billion Multi-Layer Israeli Air Defense System to Counter Turkey Threat

Greece's National Security Council (KYSEA) approved a historic deal on July 23, 2026, to purchase a multi-layer air defense system from Israel valued at approximately 3.5 billion euros (around 4 billion USD). The acquisition includes Israel's top-tier Iron Dome system by Rafael, the mid-tier Barak MX produced by Israel Aerospace Industries, and the lower-tier Spyder system by Rafael. Reuters reported the deal will also likely include drone purchases.

The Iron Dome system, rarely sold due to its advanced technology, has a range of up to 300 km and can intercept cruise missiles, aircraft, and drones at speeds of 7.5 Mach. It integrates radar developed by Elta and the "Shaked Zahav" command and control system by Elisra, part of Elbit Group. Greece, which has historically underinvested in military technology, faces growing threats from Turkey, particularly missile and rocket attacks covering the entire country. This deal initially covers Thrace and the eastern Aegean Sea, with further acquisitions expected.

The Barak MX system supports multiple interceptor missiles, including the short-range MRAD (up to 35 km), medium-range LRAD (up to 70 km), and long-range ER variant (up to 150 km). These missiles are powered by engines from the state-owned Tomer company. Barak MX is already in use by Israel and has been sold to countries like Azerbaijan for $1.2 billion in 2023.

The Spyder system, showcased to Greek Air Force leadership in April 2024 and recently sold to Romania for over 2 billion euros, offers defense against drones, aircraft, helicopters, and short-range ballistic missiles using Rafael's Python and Derby missiles.

This deal marks a historic milestone for Israel's Ministry of Defense, following a record 19.2 billion euros in defense exports last year, including 10 billion euros in government-to-government deals. It surpasses Israel's previous largest defense sale: the $3.5 billion David's Sling system to Germany in 2023. The deal also comes shortly after the Romanian Spyder sale and Defense Ministry CEO Amir Baram's visit to India to deepen defense cooperation.