Israel signs €3 billion weapons deal with Greece, largest ever between the two countries
Quick Look
- Israel signed a nearly €3 billion (US$3.5 billion) defence export deal with Greece, dubbed Achilles Shield, including a multilayered air defence system using Israeli technology.
- The agreement comes as Israeli weapons exports reached record highs of over US$19 billion last year, up 30% from 2024, despite criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza, with Hezbollah and Iran.
- Experts say governments favour Israeli weapons for being battle-tested and verifiable in real time.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Israel and Greece have deepened defence ties over the last decade. Israeli weapons exports reached record highs of over US$19 billion last year, a 30% increase from 2024, despite criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza, with Hezbollah and Iran. Greece is modernising its armed forces to keep pace with Turkey amid long-standing disputes over sea boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean.
Israel signed a multibillion-dollar weapons deal with Greece, the largest between the two Mediterranean countries, as Israeli defence exports soar.
Israel’s Defence Ministry said on Monday the nearly €3 billion (US$3.5 billion) defence export deal, coined Achilles Shield, was one of the country’s largest and included a multilayered air defence system for Greece using Israeli technology.
“Israel and Greece share common strategic interests and face shared regional challenges. At a time when actors with hegemonic ambitions are seeking to expand their influence and undermine stability in the region,” said Defence Minister Israel Katz.
The agreement comes as Israeli weapons exports have reached record highs with more than US$19 billion last year, a 30 per cent increase from 2024, according to official data, despite widespread criticism of Israel’s conduct in its wars in Gaza, with Hezbollah and with Iran.
Experts say governments look to Israel because its weapons are battle-tested and they are able to see in real time that the munitions and systems work.
Israel and Greece have deepened defence ties in the last decade. Monday’s signing, however, marks the most significant deal between the two as Greece focuses on modernising its armed forces to keep pace with its neighbour and fellow Nato member Turkey amid long-standing disputes over sea boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Greece will continue to increase defence procurement from Israel to counter perceived threats from Turkey
Likely · Within months
Israeli defence exports will maintain strong growth in the short term due to demand for battle-tested systems
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific components make up the multilayered air defence system in the Achilles Shield deal?
- How will Turkey likely respond to the deepening Israel-Greece defence cooperation?
- What are the exact terms and delivery timeline for the €3 billion deal?
