Greece is expected to give final approval on Thursday to a €3.5 billion ($4 billion) deal to acquire a multi-layered air defence system from Israel, along with several types of drones, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The country’s top s
ecurity council, KYSEA, had already given preliminary approval to the plan earlier this year and is now expected to sign off on the procurement contracts, one of the sources said.
The new defence network, known as the “Achilles Shield,” is designed to defend against ballistic missiles, aircraft and drones.
It will be built around Israeli radar and missile systems supplied by defence firms Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
The purchase forms part of Greece’s broader military modernisation programme, under which Athens plans to spend about €28 billion by 2036.
The programme also includes the planned acquisition of up to 40 U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, as well as new frigates from France and Italy.
Greece currently allocates nearly 3.5% of its gross domestic product to defence one of the highest levels within NATO largely because of its long-running tensions with neighbouring Turkey.
Athens and Jerusalem have steadily expanded defence cooperation in recent years.
The two countries jointly operate an air training centre in Greece, conduct regular military exercises, and collaborate on cybersecurity and anti-drone technology.
Last year, Greece approved the purchase of 36 Israeli-made rocket artillery systems worth about €650 million.
One of the sources also said KYSEA is expected to approve additional drone purchases from both the United States and Israel.
Greece currently relies on U.S.-made Patriot missile batteries and older Russian S-300 systems to protect its airspace.
The defence package marks another step in Athens’ efforts to strengthen its air defences amid growing regional security concerns.
