Israel, Greece on cusp of major air defense collaboration deal

Greece is expected to give final parliamentary approval this week to a €3 billion ($3.42 billion) air defense modernization program centered on Israeli-made missile defense systems, marking one of the largest defense collaborations between the two countries to date.

The project, dubbed "Achilles Shield," would create a multilayered air defense network modeled on Israel's own architecture, which has repeatedly intercepted Iranian missiles and drones over the past three years.

The deal would further strengthen the rapidly expanding strategic partnership between Jerusalem and Athens while underscoring growing international demand for Israel's battle-tested defense technologies.

The new network is designed to protect Greece against a wide range of aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones and aircraft.

To achieve that, Greece plans to purchase Rafael's David's Sling and SPYDER air defense systems, while Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is expected to supply its Barak MX air and missile defense system.

IAI subsidiary ELTA Systems will provide the radars and command-and-control equipment needed to integrate the various interceptors into a single coordinated defense network.

Several smaller Israeli companies that supply components to Rafael, IAI and ELTA are also expected to receive substantial orders as part of the project, supporting thousands of jobs across Israel.

David's Sling was jointly developed by Rafael and the American defense company RTX (formerly Raytheon). It is designed to intercept medium- and long-range rockets, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles.

During the latest rounds of fighting between Israel and Iran, the system successfully intercepted dozens of incoming threats, fueling growing international interest. Finland purchased the system for €317 million (about $360 million) in November 2023.

Major General (Ret.) Yoav Har-Even, CEO and president of Rafael, said at the time that "The ‘David’s Sling’ system from Rafael is a significant part of Israel’s multi-layered defense system. The system has proven itself effectively in the current conflict, defending the country and its residents."

Rafael's SPYDER system provides mobile, rapid-response protection against aircraft, helicopters, drones and precision-guided munitions at short and medium ranges. The Barak MX system complements it by adding another layer of defense against aircraft, cruise missiles, drones and ballistic missiles.

The planned purchase follows another major Israeli-Greek defense agreement announced in April, when the Greek Defense Ministry acquired Elbit Systems' PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System) multiple rocket launchers and precision-guided rockets in a deal worth approximately $750 million.

Defense cooperation between Israel and Greece has expanded significantly in recent years. The two militaries regularly conduct joint exercises, maintain intelligence-sharing agreements and cooperate closely on regional security, while diplomatic, economic, tourism and cultural ties have continued to deepen.