Greece has approved a significant defense procurement program valued at €4.2 billion, with the primary focus on establishing a multi-layered air defense, anti-missile, and anti-drone system known as ‘Achilles Shield’. Approximately €3 billion will be allocated for the acquisition of Israeli defense systems, according to a source in the Ministry of Defense who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed that the government’s Council on Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) has approved several major contracts. In his remarks, he stated that ‘Greece has entered a new era, a new reality,’ describing the program as part of a comprehensive rearmament of the country.
New Purchases to Modernize the Army
According to a document from the Ministry of Defense, which was reviewed by the Agence France-Presse agency, Greece will also acquire C-390 Millennium transport aircraft from the Brazilian company Embraer, Israeli Heron drones, missiles for Apache combat helicopters, British Victa stealth boats, and sonar systems for frigates.
The document indicates that Greek defense companies will participate in the implementation of the ‘Achilles Shield’ project, contributing approximately €700 million. The new system will utilize Israeli multi-layered air defense technologies, including the ‘Iron Dome’ system, which has been actively deployed during conflicts in the Middle East to intercept short-range missiles.
Rearmament Amid New Challenges
Greece traditionally allocates at least 2% of its gross domestic product to defense, a practice driven by long-standing tensions with neighboring Turkey. Last year, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled a 12-year modernization program for the armed forces, with a total projected cost of €25 billion.
Greece is now one of four European NATO members that dedicate at least 3% of GDP to defense. Mitsotakis, who is expected to face elections by next spring, described the rearmament program as the ‘most radical’ reform of the defense sector in the country’s modern history.
Simultaneously, Athens is bolstering its position in the eastern Mediterranean, near several conflict zones in the Middle East. The country has already committed to purchasing four French Belharra frigates, 24 Rafale fighter jets, and has signed a contract for 20 American F-35 fighters.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the modernization program incorporates lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and aims to prepare the Greek armed forces for the challenges of the 21st century.
Source: South China Morning Post
