Why have Israel and Greece announced major defence deal?
As Israel struggles to maintain some of its important alliances abroad, particularly in Europe, a major defence deal with Greece bucks a worrying trend for the country’s leaders. The more than $3.4 billion Achilles Shield agreement is the largest of its kind between Israel and Greece , and one of the largest in Israel’s history. Athens is now set to receive “a multilayered defence array” based on…
Israel and Greece have announced a major defense deal, valued at over $3.4 billion, marking one of the largest defense agreements in Israel's history. The agreement, known as the Achilles Shield, involves the transfer of a "multilayered defence array" to Greece, including Israeli-made systems like the David's Sling and Spyder air defence systems, and Barak MX manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries.
Additionally, Greece will receive a new national command-and-control system developed by Rafael, an Israeli defence company.
The deal is seen as a testament to the depth of the strategic relationship between Israel and Greece, with Greece's Defence Minister Israel Katz stating that it demonstrates the "depth of the strategic relationship between Israel and Greece." The significance of the deal extends beyond its financial value and technological capabilities; it also reflects the growing concerns in Europe and worldwide regarding missile and UAV threats, as well as the escalating tensions between Greece and Turkey.
The heightened rhetoric against Turkey is not unfounded, as Turkey has been increasingly assertive in regional affairs, with officials labeling Recep Tayyip Erdogan as an "anti-Semitic dictator" who has "massacred Kurds, harbours Hamas terrorists, occupies half of Cyprus, and jails record numbers of journalists and politicians who oppose him."
This context adds weight to the defense deal, as it is not just about strengthening military capabilities but also about countering the perceived hegemonic ambitions of Turkey and other regional actors.
The announcement of the defense deal comes after years of Israel strengthening its relations with Greece and Cyprus, focusing on energy, undersea electricity cables, and plans for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. In December 2025, Netanyahu met with Greek and Cypriot counterparts for the tenth meeting since 2016, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the nations.
As the eastern Mediterranean region undergoes changes, the defense deal underscores the importance of regional stability and the shared determination to counter emerging threats.
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