Greece approves $4 billion air defense system purchase from Israel

Published Jul 23, 01:41 PM UTC

Greece has approved the purchase of a multi-layer air defense system worth up to €3.5 billion ($4 billion) from Israel, along with drones and Embraer C-390 transport aircraft. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced that the security council KYSEA approved procurement contracts on Thursday. The system, called 'Achilles Shield,' will use Israeli radars and missiles from Rafael and IAI, with at least 25% produced by Greek companies, and is expected to be fully operational within 35 months. Greece, which currently uses U.S. Patriot and old Russian S-300 systems, plans to spend about €28 billion by 2036 to modernize its armed forces, including buying F-35 jets and frigates. The purchase also includes three C-390 aircraft, 10 British VICTA mini-submarines, U.S. V-BAT UAVs, and Israeli Heron UAVs. Greece spends nearly 3.5% of GDP on defense due to its long-standing dispute with Turkey.