Greece and Israel have signed a €3.035 billion intergovernmental agreement to develop the “Achilles Shield,” a new multilayered air defence system aimed at strengthening the country’s protection against ballistic missiles, aircraft and unmanned systems.
A significant part of the project is expected to involve the Greek defence industry. Nineteen Greek companies are already taking part in the process, with contracts expected to exceed €750 million.
Greece is expected to spend a total of around €28 billion on defence by 2036.
Defence cooperation between Greece and Israel is already extensive, including joint military exercises, an air training centre in Greece and cooperation on anti-drone systems and cybersecurity. Last year, Greece also purchased 36 Israeli rocket artillery systems worth around €650 million.
The agreement is part of Greece’s broader effort to modernise its Armed Forces, with Athens planning to spend around €28 billion by 2036. This includes the purchase of 40 F-35 fighter jets from the US, as well as frigates from Italy and France.
Greece spends 3.65% of its GDP on defence, the fifth-highest share among NATO countries, behind Lithuania (5.33%), Estonia (5.10%), Latvia (4.92%) and Poland (4.68%).
Sources: Reuters, News24/7