Why Has Greece Signed a $3.5 Billion Missile Deal With Israel?

Greece has signed a $3.5 billion defence agreement with Israel to establish its first integrated, multi-layered air defence network.

The agreement, signed in Tel Aviv on Monday, is the largest defence deal between Greece and Israel to date. It comes as Athens seeks to modernise its armed forces and respond to an increasingly complex security environment.

What Is the Achilles Shield?

The system being acquired by Greece is known as the “Achilles Shield”. It combines three major Israeli defence systems.

David’s Sling is designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and medium- to long-range rockets. The Spyder system is intended to counter lower-altitude threats including aircraft, helicopters, drones and guided weapons.

The Barak MX system provides broader protection against cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, fighter aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Radars and AI-Based Command Centre

The agreement also includes multi-mission radar systems for air surveillance and an artificial intelligence-enabled command centre designed to integrate the different defence technologies.

Greece will separately purchase Israel’s Drone Dome system under a deal worth about $30 million. The system is intended to protect strategic sites from drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Is Iran a Major Concern?

Analysts say the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran has added another layer of security concerns for Greece.

Greece hosts US naval facilities, raising concerns that Iranian attacks against US allies could potentially threaten American military assets located in the country.

While the US Patriot system remains highly sought after, some European countries have increasingly considered Israel’s David’s Sling because of its cost and capabilities.

Why Is Turkey Important?

Turkey’s expanding military and drone capabilities are another major concern for Athens.

Greece and Turkey have a long history of disputes over maritime boundaries and contested areas in the Aegean Sea and eastern Mediterranean. The two countries remain NATO allies but have repeatedly faced periods of heightened tension.

Analysts believe Greece could deploy the first elements of the Achilles Shield in the Aegean region because of these security concerns.

Greece and Israel Strengthen Military Ties

Greece and Israel already maintain close economic, diplomatic and military relations. The two countries regularly conduct joint military exercises.

The latest purchase forms part of Greece’s broader military modernisation programme. Athens plans to spend around $32 billion on defence through 2036, including the Israeli air defence network, up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the United States and frigates from France and Italy.

Criticism of Israel Ties in Greece

The strengthening of military relations with Israel has also attracted criticism inside Greece.

Many Greeks oppose Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and have questioned the government’s decision to deepen defence cooperation with Israel.

A Pew Research Center survey released in June found that about 76 percent of Greeks did not believe Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would do the right thing regarding world affairs.

Opposition politicians and intellectuals have accused the government of bringing Greece too close to Israel and potentially making the country part of wider regional conflicts.

Europe’s Changing Security Environment

The war in Ukraine, the conflict involving Iran, the growing use of drones and the proliferation of ballistic missiles have forced European countries to rethink their air defence capabilities.

Greece is responding to these changes by investing heavily in layered defence systems designed to counter a wider range of aerial threats.

Conclusion

Greece’s $3.5 billion defence agreement with Israel reflects a combination of regional and strategic concerns. Analysts point to the potential threat from Iran, Turkey’s expanding drone capabilities and long-running disputes between Athens and Ankara over the Aegean as key factors behind the decision.

The Achilles Shield will combine David’s Sling, Spyder and Barak MX systems to provide Greece with layered protection against aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. However, the deepening military relationship with Israel is also generating political criticism inside Greece, particularly over Israel’s actions in Gaza.