"Achilles Shield" is the name Greece has given to its new air defense system, which aims to protect against ballistic missiles, air strikes and drones. The 3.5 billion euro project will be built with Israeli technology and is part of Athens' plan to modernize its armed forces.
The approved package also includes several types of drones, three C-390 military transport aircraft from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, 10 British VICTA mini-submarines for special operations, as well as American V-BAT drones and Heron drones from Israel. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said that the Greek Security Council (KYSEA) approved the procurement contracts on Thursday, after giving preliminary approval to the project earlier this year.
The "Achilles Shield" system will be built on radars and missiles from Israeli companies Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), creating a defense against ballistic missiles, air strikes and drones. "It will be ready and fully operational within 35 months, starting today," Dendias said. He added that at least 25% of the system will be manufactured by Greek companies.
Greece currently uses American Patriot systems and Russian S-300 systems to protect its airspace. The country has planned to invest about 28 billion euros by 2036 to modernize its armed forces. The program also includes the purchase of up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the United States, as well as frigates from France and Italy.
Dendias announced that the Security Council has also approved the purchase of three C-390 transport aircraft, 10 British VICTA mini-submarines for special operations, American V-BAT drones and Heron drones from Israel.
Greece spends about 3.5% of its GDP on defense, one of the highest percentages among NATO countries, due to a long-standing dispute with Turkey. Greece and Israel have developed close defense cooperation in recent years. The two countries operate an air training center on Greek territory, conduct joint military exercises annually, and cooperate on anti-drone systems and cybersecurity.
Last year, Athens purchased 36 Israeli-made rocket artillery systems in a deal worth around 650 million euros.
