The "Achilles Shield" air defense agreement worth approximately 3 billion euros was signed between Israel and Greece in Tel Aviv on August 31. Following the agreement, an Israeli official announced that Greece would not be able to access the source code of the system, which escalated the political debate in Athens.
Within the scope of the agreement, it is planned to establish a multi-layered air defense network in Greece. The project includes the David's Sling and Spyder systems developed by Rafael and the Barak MX system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The agreement also includes IAI's MMR type multi-mission radars to be used in air control. It is stated that a new national command and control system to be developed under the leadership of Rafael is also part of the project.
Opposition parties in Greece argued that the agreement could increase dependence on Israel in the field of defense. The opposition also criticized that the project could create a significant financial burden for Greek taxpayers and further tie Athens' regional policy to Israel. Former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis also described the agreement as "shameful". "Despite the fact that the vast majority of Greeks are against the genocidal Apartheid state, we have allowed our ruling class to tarnish Greece with this disgraceful agreement," Varoufakis said. made his assessment.
The discussions gained a new dimension with the interview given by Israeli Missile Defense Organization Director Moshe Patel to Kathimerini newspaper. Asked whether Greece could access the source code related to the command and control capabilities of the "Achilles Shield", Patel said: "No, because the source code was not included in the use license of the agreement." he replied. This statement was compared to previous statements made by Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias. In his speech on July 23, Dendias drew attention to the importance of access to the source code in the systems to be purchased for the Greek Armed Forces and stated that the procurement process would not progress if access to the source code was not provided.
The opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) asked the government to clarify whether Greece can access the source code of the "Achilles Shield" system. PASOK's deputy responsible for the field of defense, Mihalis Katrinis, recalled Dendias' words on July 23 in his written statement. Katrinis: "Will the source code of the Achilles Shield ultimately belong to Greece?" posed the question. Stating that the issue was brought to the parliament on September 1, Katrinis stated that they are waiting for a written response from the Ministry of Defense.
The Greek Left Alliance (ELAS), founded by former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, also reacted to Patel's statement. The party stated that the statement that Greece cannot access the source code related to the command and control system raises serious questions in terms of control over the system and "protection of national interests". Athens-based Militaire also drew attention to the source code discussion in the "Achilles Shield" project and asked, "Which one is real?" raised the question.
