Israel and Greece sign $3.4bn defence deal amid rising tension with Turkey
Israel and Greece signed a defence deal worth more than $3.4 billion on Monday, under which Athens will receive “a multilayered defence array” based on Israeli systems. The “Achilles Shield” accord is one of the largest defence export deals in Israel 's history and marks the first time it will supply another country with a “complete defence array”, according its Ministry of Defence. A second deal…
On Monday, Israel and Greece inked a defense deal exceeding $3.4 billion, with Athens set to receive an advanced "Achilles Shield" defense system from Tel Aviv. The monumental deal marks Israel's first time supplying a complete defense array to another nation and ranks among the largest export deals in the Jewish state's history.
The accord includes Israeli systems such as David’s Sling, Spyder, and Barak MK, produced by Rafael Defence Company and Israel Aerospace Industries. Additionally, Rafael will also develop a new national command and control system for Greece. This defense boost comes amid rising tensions between Israel and Turkey, as both nations – key NATO members – clash over the eastern Mediterranean.
Greek Defense Minister Panos Kammenos stated that the deal reflects the "depth of the strategic relationship between Israel and Greece" and their commitment to strengthening it in the face of shared regional challenges. The staunchly pro-Israeli politician emphasized that in a world brimming with hegemonic ambitions seeking to undermine stability, the two countries will deepen their defense and strategic cooperation to preserve security and safeguard their interests.
Meanwhile, Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz has long criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accusing him of dragging Turkey into dangerous escapades. Katz's rhetoric intensified in August after Israel launched an airstrike in Syria, deeming it necessary due to Syria's near breach of an agreement prohibiting Turkish troop deployment at an Aleppo airbase.
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- Israel and Greece sign $3.4bn defence deal amid rising tension with Turkey thenationalnews.com
- Israel, Greece seal €3B ‘Achilles Shield’ defense deal politico.eu
- Israel to sign biggest-ever defense deal with Greece en.globes.co.il
