Greece’s Security Council has approved a multi-layer purchase of air defence systems from Israel, to form the “Achilles Shield” network. The deal will also include Heron UAV systems. The total value of the deal is estimated at up to €3.5 billion. “Achilles Shield” will include Israeli made anti-ballistic, anti-aircraft, and anti-drone systems. Israeli defence firms Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries will provide the main systems. According to Israeli sources the deal also includes other unspecified military equipment
Under the terms of the contract, the Israeli systems will become operational within 35 months and Greek companies will produce at least 25% of the system. The deal with the Israeli companies is part of Greece’s broader plan to spend roughly €28 billion by 2036 to upgrade its armed forces. One factor driving the Greek armed forces upgrade is that relations between Greece and Turkey remain tense. The most significant flashpoints involve competing claims over the Aegean continental shelf, Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), and airspace.
Arie Egozi
