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Greece is on the verge of finalizing a deal to purchase an Israeli air defense system worth up to 3.5 billion euros. According to Reuters and other sources, the KYSEA Security Council will review the matter on Thursday, along with the purchase of several types of drones.
Achilles shield
The project, named Achilles Shield, Athens aims to build a multi-layered defense system against ballistic missiles, airstrikes, and drones. The core of that system will consist of Israeli radars and missiles from Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries.
The deal is part of a broader modernization of the Greek armed forces. Athens previously announced plans to invest approximately 28 billion euros in defense by 2036, including the purchase of up to forty F-35 fighter jets from the United States and frigates from France and Italy. Greece currently spends nearly 3.5 percent of its GDP on defense, a percentage higher than in many other NATO countries.
Greece invests in defense
The increase in the defense budget is directly linked to the decades-long tensions with Turkey. At the same time, Greece maintains close military ties with Israel. The two countries jointly operate a training center for fighter pilots on Greek territory, organize joint exercises, and also collaborate on anti-drone systems and cybersecurity. Last year, Greece already approved the purchase of 36 Israeli missile artillery systems for approximately 650 million euros. According to Reuters, KYSEA may also approve the purchase of drones from the United States and Israel on Thursday. At present, Greece still relies on American Patriot systems and older Russian S-300 batteries for its airspace defense.
©David Tip via Unsplash