Greece signed a deal with Israel on Monday to buy a multi-layer air defence system worth about €3 billion ($3.5 billion), two security sources told Reuters.
The agreement forms part of a broader military modernisation programme. Greece’s security council had given initial approval to the deal, which covers advanced short, medium and long-range missile systems.
One of the officials said Greek representatives signed four agreements with Israeli defence directorates SIBAT and MAFAT in Tel Aviv, covering “three types of missiles and radar systems.” A separate agreement for an anti-drone system was also signed, the source added.
Israel’s Defence Ministry said Israel would sell Greece Drone Dome systems in a deal valued at €26 million. The Defence Ministry said the wider package includes David’s Sling and SPYDER systems, made by Rafael, and the Barak MX system, made by Israel Aerospace Industries. Israel will build a “multi layered” defence system for Greece based on Israeli architecture, the Defence Ministry said.
The purchase is part of Greece’s “Achilles Shield” programme, under which Athens plans to spend about €28 billion by 2036 on a multi-layer anti-ballistic, anti-aircraft and anti-drone system. The wider plan also includes buying up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the United States and new frigates from France and Italy.
Greece currently relies on US-made Patriot systems, Russian S-300 systems and various short-range air defences to protect its airspace. It spends nearly 3.5 per cent of its gross domestic product on defence, a higher share than many NATO allies, reflecting its long-running dispute with neighbouring Turkey.
Greece and Israel maintain strong economic and diplomatic ties. The two countries jointly operate an air training centre in Greece, hold annual joint military exercises and cooperate on anti-drone systems and cybersecurity.
Last year, Athens bought 36 Israeli-made rocket artillery systems for about €650 million.
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