Key Takeaways

• Greece has approved a €3.5 billion purchase of a multi-layer air defense system from Israel.
• The new system, called “Achilles Shield,” aims to enhance Greece’s ability to defend against ballistic, aerial, and drone threats.
• The country plans to modernize its armed forces with an estimated budget of €28 billion by 2036, including the acquisition of F-35 jets and new military transport aircraft.

Greece Expands Defense Capabilities with Major Procurement

Greece has formally approved a significant defense procurement, purchasing a multi-layer air defense system valued at €3.5 billion (approximately $4 billion) from Israel. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced that this decision was backed by the country’s security council, KYSEA, which initially approved the plan earlier in the year.

The new system, dubbed “Achilles Shield,” is designed to enhance Greece’s defense against ballistic and aerial threats, as well as drones. It will primarily consist of advanced Israeli radars and missiles from leading defense companies Rafael and IAI. Dendias explained that the system is expected to be fully operational within 35 months, with at least 25% of its production occurring in Greece.

Currently, Greece relies on outdated defense mechanisms, including U.S. Patriot systems and Russian S-300 systems, for airspace protection. This procurement is a critical step in Greece’s broader strategy to modernize its military capabilities, with a planned expenditure of approximately €28 billion by 2036. This modernization sweep includes the potential acquisition of up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the United States, alongside frigates from France and Italy.

Additionally, KYSEA has approved the procurement of three C-390 military transport aircraft, as well as 10 British-built VICTA mini-submarines intended for special operations. Other acquisitions include U.S. V-BAT unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Heron UAVs from Israel.

Greece’s defense spending is notably high, at nearly 3.5% of its gross domestic product, a figure that surpasses many NATO allies. This spending is largely driven by the ongoing tensions and territorial disputes with Turkey. Greece has solidified its relationship with Israel through shared economic and diplomatic interests, which include conducting joint military exercises and training. The two nations also collaborate on anti-drone initiatives and cybersecurity measures.

In the previous year, Greece invested in 36 Israeli-made rocket artillery systems for approximately €650 million, signaling a commitment to enhance its military strength in the region. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, Greece’s focus on modernizing its armed forces continues to reflect its strategic prioritization of national security.

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