Israel, Greece seal €3B ‘Achilles Shield’ defense deal

Israel and Greece have inked a significant €3 billion defense deal, dubbed the "Achilles Shield," announced on Monday. The comprehensive agreement is described by Israel's Defense Ministry as the largest defense export deal in the history of their relations, and one of the largest in Israel's historical partnerships. The system, which includes David’s Sling, BARAK MX, and SPYDER interceptors, alongside Israeli-made radars and a national command system, is designed to counter a range of threats, from ballistic missiles to drones and aircraft.

Greece valued the deal at €3.035 billion, highlighting that 19 local companies are already partaking in the project, contributing over €750 million. The plan also envisions building a domestic production base to export equipment. Greece's Minister of Defense, Nikos Dendias, expressed optimism, stating that Greece would become the "first country in the European Union to adopt a similar system." This deal symbolizes the deepening security partnership between the two nations.

The collaboration was further bolstered in January, when Greece and Israel agreed to expand cooperation in areas such as drone and underwater-vehicle swarms, cyber threats, military exercises, and defense technology. This initiative aligns with Greece's "Agenda 2030," a comprehensive military reform aimed at modernizing and domesticating the armed forces.

Greece's commitment to this advanced defense system surpasses that of other European countries that have previously acquired Israeli air defenses, including Germany's purchase of the Arrow 3 system in 2023 and Finland's acquisition of David’s Sling in 2024.