Israel's defense industry is closely watching Greece this week as the Greek parliament is expected to give final approval to a proposed €3 billion ($3.42 billion) air defense deal centered on Israeli missile defense systems, according to Israeli defense officials.
The procurement plan, known as "Achilles Shield," would establish a new multilayered air defense network designed to protect Greece against a wide range of aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones and aircraft. The system would rely heavily on Israeli-made technology and represents one of the largest defense deals between the two countries.
The David's Sling air defense system
(Photo: Defense Ministry)
Under the proposed agreement, Greece is expected to acquire David's Sling and SPYDER air defense systems from Israeli defense company Rafael, as well as Barak MX air and missile defense systems produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). IAI subsidiary ELTA Systems is also expected to supply the radars that would integrate the various interceptors into a unified air defense architecture.
The deal could also benefit Tomer, the Israeli state-owned company that manufactures rocket motors used in SPYDER and Barak MX interceptor missiles.
David's Sling, jointly developed by Rafael and the U.S.-based RTX (formerly Raytheon), is designed to intercept medium- and long-range rockets, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles. The system has been operational in Israel for several years and has been employed during multiple rounds of fighting, including the country's recent wars against Iran and Iranian-backed terrorist groups.
SPYDER is a mobile, quick-reaction air defense system designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, drones and precision-guided munitions at short and medium ranges. The Barak MX family provides layered protection against aircraft, cruise missiles, drones and ballistic missile threats and can be configured for varying interception ranges depending on operational requirements.
The proposed purchase reflects the rapidly expanding defense partnership between Israel and Greece, which has deepened significantly over the past decade as both countries have increased military cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean.
The two nations regularly conduct joint military exercises, share intelligence and cooperate on air and naval security. Israeli defense firms have become major suppliers to the Greek armed forces, while Israel has also established a pilot training center for the Hellenic Air Force through a long-term contract led by Elbit Systems.
The strengthening defense ties have been driven in part by shared concerns over regional instability and growing military cooperation among eastern Mediterranean partners.
Cyprus has also emerged as a key participant in the regional security framework. Israel, Greece and Cyprus routinely conduct trilateral military exercises involving their air forces, navies and special operations units, focusing on air defense, maritime security, search-and-rescue operations and protection of critical energy infrastructure in the eastern Mediterranean.
In recent years, Cyprus has also expanded defense procurement from Israeli companies, purchasing systems including the Barak MX air defense system and advanced surveillance capabilities as it modernizes its armed forces.
The Greek procurement comes just months after Athens signed another major agreement with an Israeli defense company. In April, Greece's Defense Ministry signed a $750 million contract with Elbit Systems to acquire PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System) multiple rocket launchers and precision-guided rockets as part of a broader modernization program for the Greek military.