Israel and Greece have finalized a €3 billion (approximately $3.5 billion) arms export agreement to establish a comprehensive, multi-layered aerial defense system for Greece, Israeli and Greek officials announced Monday in Tel Aviv. The deal, referred to as the “Achilles Shield,” marks the largest defense export contract ever between the two countries and represents one of Israel’s most significant defense sales to date.
The agreement was signed by Israeli Defense Ministry Director General Major General (Res.) Amir Baram and Greek Defense Ministry counterpart Lieutenant General Ioannis Bouras. It includes a variety of Israeli-made systems designed to protect Greece against a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, drones, and other aircraft. The main components of the package are the David’s Sling, Barak MX, and Spyder interception systems, alongside advanced air surveillance radars and a national command-and-control center incorporating artificial intelligence capabilities.
The Greek armed forces will integrate these systems with existing assets such as the US-made Patriot air defense platforms and local drone units currently deployed across Greek mainland and island military installations. Defense contractors Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, alongside its subsidiary ELTA Systems, will manufacture the equipment, with the project to include significant technology transfers and cooperation with Greek firms. A supplementary contract worth €26 million was also signed to provide Rafael’s Drone Dome anti-drone systems tailored to securing critical infrastructure.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias emphasized that the acquisition is part of what he described as “the greatest reform of its armed forces in its history.” He noted that advancements in military technology have rendered previous defense doctrines insufficient and that Greece is the first European Union country to adopt such a layered and integrated air defense system modeled on Israel’s own Iron Dome framework.
From Israel’s perspective, Defense Minister Israel Katz highlighted the shared strategic interests between Israel and Greece amid regional instability and tensions with neighboring states. While both countries face different regional security challenges, the partnership and defense collaboration signal a mutual effort to counter expanding influence by actors perceived as pursuing hegemonic ambitions. The tension with Turkey, a neighbor to both nations, figures prominently in the backdrop of the deal, with Greece maintaining one of NATO’s highest defense expenditures relative to GDP.
The agreement also entails the establishment of a national command and control center to oversee the integrated system and missile defense operations. The center will feature advanced AI elements, reflecting Israeli advancements in military technology.
This deal follows a series of recent Israeli defense exports to Europe, including a 2023 agreement with Germany for the Arrow 3 missile defense system. For Greece, the acquisition represents a significant upgrade to its military capabilities amid ongoing regional security concerns and shifting defense priorities within NATO’s southern flank.