Israel and Greece signed a defense agreement worth 3 billion euros (3.5 billion dollars) on Monday, August 31. Under its terms, Israel will build a multi-layered air defense system for Greece as part of Athens’ large-scale military modernization program.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense stated that this is the largest defense export deal in the country’s history with Greece and one of the largest in the history of Israel’s defense industry. The agreement also confirmed a previous Reuters report.
Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense Amir Baram said the deal, known as Achilles Shield, demonstrates «Israel’s technological superiority and the proven effectiveness of our defense systems in real-world conditions».
Under the agreement, Israel will supply Greece with David’s Sling and SPYDER systems, manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, as well as the BARAK MX system from Israel Aerospace Industries. Greece will also receive multi-function MMR air surveillance radars, produced by ELTA Systems, a subsidiary of IAI.
The David’s Sling system was used by Israel this year to intercept Iranian missiles during the war with Iran. Greece will become the second customer for this system after Finland.
Greece spends nearly 3.5% of its gross domestic product on defense, exceeding the levels of many NATO allies. One reason is the country’s long-standing dispute with neighboring Turkey.
Greece’s military modernization plans
Athens plans to spend about 28 billion euros by 2036 to create a multi-layered ballistic missile, air, and anti-drone defense system called Achilles Shield. In addition, Greece intends to purchase up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the United States, as well as frigates from France and Italy.
Under Monday’s agreement, Greece will also receive a new national command and control system developed by Rafael to integrate the country’s various air defense capabilities. An additional deal worth 26 million euros involves Israel supplying Rafael’s Drone Dome systems to protect strategic sites from drones and enhance existing defense capabilities.
Israel will also expand defense industrial cooperation with Greece, including through the transfer of technologies and expertise to the local industry.
Source: The Strait Times
