Greece has approved a $4 billion deal to procure a multi-layered air defense system from Israel, according to Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias. The system, named 'Achilles Shield,' will be operational within 35 months and will be built around Israeli radars and missiles from Rafael and IAI.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced Sunday that Greece has formally approved a $4 billion contract to acquire the 'Achilles Shield' multi-layered air defense system from Israel. The system will be fully operational within 35 months, Dendias stated, and will be built around Israeli radars and missiles supplied by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries.
The Zioneer has tracked this deal since July 22, when Greece's National Security Council approved the framework. That day, reports varied between $4 billion and €3.5 billion, with the system named 'Achilles Shield' and a 35-month timeline first reported. By July 24, The Zioneer reported the deal at up to €3.5 billion. The latest announcement confirms the $4 billion value and provides a specific operational timeline.
The 'Achilles Shield' program integrates multiple Israeli systems, including David's Sling and Barak, and will be interoperable with Greece's F-35 and F-16 aircraft and frigates, as The Zioneer reported on July 22. The deal also mandates that at least 25% of components be produced in Greece, deepening the defense partnership between the two countries amid regional tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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