Greece to purchase air defense system from Israel worth $4 billion

Greece approved a $4 billion deal on Thursday to acquire 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 primarily consist of radars and missiles from Israeli firms Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. The package also includes various drones, such as Heron UAVs from Israel, and Brazilian-made Embraer C-390 military transport aircraft. This procurement is part of Greece’s broader military modernization plan through 2036, with an allocated budget of approximately $31.8 billion, driven by concerns over Turkey’s military expansion in the Mediterranean.