Greece is set to deploy an advanced Israeli-designed air-defense system under a newly signed agreement valued at nearly NIS 10 billion, marking one of Israel’s largest defense-export deals to date. The pact, announced on Monday, establishes Israel as a key security partner for Greece, a NATO member and important European Union state on the continent’s southeastern frontier.

The deal, named Achilles Shield, will provide Greece with an integrated multilayered air-defense network modeled on the system that has protected Israel from missile, rocket, and drone attacks over the past several years. Components include the David’s Sling interceptor for ballistic missiles and heavy rockets, SPYDER and BARAK MX systems for countering drones and cruise missiles, along with advanced MMR radars, the Drone Dome counter-drone technology, and a central command-and-control infrastructure to unify these defenses.

This agreement reflects a significant shift in Greek-Israeli relations. Historically, Greece maintained a hostile stance toward Israel throughout much of the late 20th century. Notably, in 1982, Greece aided the evacuation of Yasser Arafat and hundreds of Palestine Liberation Organization fighters from Beirut, underscoring Athens’ support for Palestinian factions during that period. Formal diplomatic recognition of Israel by Greece did not occur until 1990, and the two countries previously had limited security cooperation.

The decision to acquire an Israeli air-defense system highlights a wider strategic recalibration in the region. Greece’s security concerns have evolved amid tensions with Turkey, which has expanded its regional military presence and forged defense partnerships with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The growing threat from Iranian missile technology and increased instability around Europe’s borders have further underscored the need for robust, proven defense capabilities. Israeli systems, tested under combat conditions against diverse threats from Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, and Gaza, have increasingly attracted the interest of European countries that face emerging missile and drone threats.

Greece’s choice to rely on Israeli defense technology contrasts sharply with the stance of some other European states, which have recently pursued measures to boycott Israeli products, particularly those originating from contested territories. Countries such as Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium, along with the United Kingdom after its recent policy shift, have sought to restrict procurement of items related to Israeli settlements. However, Greece’s acquisition signals that strategic defense considerations may outweigh political disputes in certain cases.

The partnership between Greece and Israel also reinforces an informal alignment between the two nations, balancing against Turkey’s assertive regional policies. While the alliance is not openly targeted at any specific adversary, analysts observe that it implicitly addresses common security concerns tied to Ankara’s ambitions.

Overall, the Achilles Shield deal demonstrates Israel’s growing influence as a defense supplier to Europe and underscores how shifting geopolitical dynamics are reshaping long-standing relationships in the eastern Mediterranean. Greece’s decision to depend on Israeli air-defense technology marks a pivotal moment in its security policy, moving from past opposition toward a pragmatic and strategic collaboration with Israel.