Greece Finalizes €3.5 Billion Israeli Air Defense Package for Achilles Shield

Greece's Government Council for National Security (KYSEA) on July 23 finalized procurement contracts for a multi-layer Israeli air defense system worth €3.5 billion ($4 billion), the centerpiece of the country's planned “Achilles Shield” network against ballistic missiles, aircraft and drones.

The package combines three tiers of Israeli systems: Rafael's David's Sling in the long-range tier, Israel Aerospace Industries' Barak MX — built around the Barak 8 interceptor family — in the medium-range tier, and Rafael's Spyder in the short-range tier, supported by Israeli radars from both companies. The new network will replace Greece's aging U.S.-made Patriot batteries and Russian S-300 systems. “It will be ready and fully operational within 35 months,” the Greek Defense Minister said, adding that Greek companies will produce at least 25 percent of the system.

Alongside the air defense package, the council approved the purchase of three Embraer C-390 transport aircraft, ten British-made VICTA mini-submarines for special operations, Israeli Heron unmanned aircraft and U.S. V-BAT vertical takeoff drones. The decisions fall under a wider €28 billion modernization plan running through 2036.

The agreement deepens an already close defense relationship between Greece and Israel, which includes a joint training center in Kalamata and earlier purchases of Israeli rocket artillery. Greece devotes about 3.5 percent of its GDP to defense — one of the highest shares in NATO, driven by its long-running tensions with Turkey — and ranks 20th in the global military power ranking. For Israel's defense industry, the deal is among its largest European export orders, coming as demand for layered air defense surges across the continent.

Deliveries and integration work are expected to begin under the 35-month schedule, with the first elements of the Achilles Shield network due to enter service before the end of the decade.