By Steven Scheer and Lefteris Papadimas
JERUSALEM/ATHENS, 31 August (Reuters) – Israel and Greece have signed a €3 billion ($3.5 billion) defence agreement, under which Israel will provide Athens with a multi‑layered air‑defence system. The deal forms part of Greece’s broader military modernisation programme.
Israel’s Ministry of Defence described the contract as its largest defence export sale to Greece and one of the biggest in the country’s history. The arrangement confirms an earlier Reuters report.
“The Achilles Shield contract demonstrates Israel’s technological edge and the proven performance of our defence systems on the battlefield,” said Amir Baram, the ministry’s director‑general.
Under the agreement Israel will deliver Greece the David’s Sling and SPYDER systems, both produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, as well as the BARAK MX system from Israel Aerospace Industries. In addition, MMR multi‑mission radars for air surveillance – manufactured by IAI’s ELTA Systems – will be supplied.
David’s Sling has been used by Israel to intercept Iranian missiles during this year’s conflict with Iran. Greece becomes only the second operator of the system after Finland.
Greece allocates roughly 3.5 % of its GDP to defence, a share higher than many NATO allies, reflecting the country’s long‑standing dispute with neighbouring Turkey.
Athens intends to spend about €28 billion by 2036 to complete the Achilles Shield anti‑ballistic, anti‑aircraft and anti‑drone network, purchase up to 40 F‑35 fighter jets from the United States and acquire frigates from France and Italy.
The Monday agreement also includes a Rafael‑developed national command‑and‑control system that will integrate Greece’s air‑defence assets.
A supplemental €26 million contract will provide Rafael’s Drone Dome system to safeguard strategic sites against drone threats and to reinforce existing defences.
Both countries will expand defence‑industrial cooperation, with Israel transferring technology and expertise to Greek industry.
($1 ≈ €0.8623)
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