Greece Approves Multibillion-Dollar Purchase of Israeli Anti-Missile Systems for 'Achilles Shield'
The acquisition, part of a €4.2 billion spending spree, includes Israeli anti-missile, anti-aircraft, and anti-drone weaponry, alongside other defense assets.
Quick Look
- Greece has approved a multibillion-dollar purchase of Israeli anti-missile, anti-aircraft, and anti-drone systems to establish an "Achilles Shield" protective dome.
- The €3 billion deal is part of a larger €4.2 billion defense spending, confirmed by Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, and includes other acquisitions like Brazilian transport aircraft and British watercraft.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Greece's KYSEA foreign affairs and defense council approved a series of major defense contracts, including a significant purchase of Israeli anti-missile systems.
Greece on Thursday approved the multibillion-dollar purchase of Israeli anti-missile, anti-aircraft and anti-drone weaponry to set up an “Achilles Shield” protective dome, a defence ministry source said.
Around €3 billion of a broader €4.2 billion (US$4.8 billion) spending spree will go towards Israeli-made systems for the new shield, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“Greece has entered a new era, a new reality,” Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said on social media, confirming the country’s KYSEA foreign affairs and defence council had approved a series of major contracts.
Greece will also buy C-390 Millennium transport aircraft made by Brazil’s Embraer, Heron drones from Israel, Apache helicopter missiles, British-made Victa stealth watercraft and frigate sonar systems, according to a ministry document seen by Agence France-Presse.
The document said Greek defence firms would contribute €700 million to the dome project.
Israel’s air-defence network, including the “Iron Dome” system designed to intercept short-range rockets and missiles, has been used heavily during the Middle East war.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Greece will proceed with setting up the 'Achilles Shield' protective dome.
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What are the specific types of Israeli systems purchased?
- What is the exact timeline for the 'Achilles Shield' deployment?
- Which Greek defense firms will contribute to the project?
