Greece's "Shield of Achilles" move: Will purchase a €3.1 billion air defense system from Israel.

Greece's

24.07.2026 17:10

The Greek Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) approved a defense package totaling 4.2 billion euros, which includes the purchase of a multi-layered air defense system from Israel for 3.1 billion euros.

The Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) of Greece approved a defense package worth a total of 4.2 billion euros, including the purchase of a multi-layered air defense system from Israel for 3.1 billion euros.

Greece's Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) approved the defense procurement program worth 4.2 billion euros. The largest share is accounted for by the multi-layered air defense system to be procured from Israel. The air defense project is expected to cost approximately 3.1 billion euros and be delivered within 35 months from the signing of the contract.

GREECE'S "ACHILLES SHIELD"

Greece aims to establish a multi-layered ballistic missile, anti-aircraft, and anti-drone system called "Achilles Shield," with radars and missiles from Israeli defense companies Rafael and IAI forming the core of the system.

These include Israel's Spyder, Barak MX, and David's Sling systems.

WHAT IS IN THE DEFENSE PACKAGE

The 4.2 billion euro package also includes approximately 600 million euros for three Embraer C-390 transport aircraft under an agreement with Portugal, 145 million euros for 10 VICTA special operations vessels, 100 million euros for Hellfire missile stockpiles, and 70 million euros for 10 V-BAT unmanned aerial vehicle systems.

Other approved projects include micro-satellites with synthetic aperture radar, HERON-1 UAVs, night vision devices for the army, and four sonar systems for the navy's MEKO frigates.

PLANNED EXPENDITURE UNTIL 2036

The Greek government has announced plans to spend approximately 28 billion euros by 2036 to modernize its armed forces, including the purchase of up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the United States and frigates from France and Italy. Last year, the Athens administration approved the purchase of 36 Israeli-made rocket artillery systems for about 650 million euros.

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