Tel Aviv, August 31: Israel and Greece have signed one of the largest defense export agreements in Israeli history, known as the “Achilles Shield.” This deal, finalized on Monday, involves the establishment of a multi-layered defense system in Greece, incorporating Israeli system architecture. Key components include Rafael’s “David’s Sling” and “Spider” systems, along with the “Barak MX” system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
The agreement was signed by Major General Amir Baram, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, and Yannis Borras, head of the Greek procurement directorate. The deal is valued at nearly three billion euros (over 10 billion New Israeli Shekels).
Under this agreement, a comprehensive multi-layered air defense system based on Israeli technology will be established in Greece. This system will leverage extensive operational experience gained during conflicts.
The signing ceremony took place in Tel Aviv and was attended by several senior officials, including Brigadier General Yair Koles, head of SIVAT, Brigadier General Danny Gold from the defense intelligence agency, and CEOs from Rafael and IAI.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the “Achilles Shield” program is one of the largest defense agreements in Greece’s history. This marks the first time the Israeli Ministry of Defense will provide a complete defense system against various threats, including ballistic missiles, aerial attacks, and enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The deal includes the “David’s Sling” system, developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Defense’s MAPAT “Homa” directorate, with Rafael as the main developer. It also features IAI’s “Barak MX” system, Rafael’s “Spider” system, and a new national command and control system that will centralize all air defense capabilities.
Additionally, another deal worth 26 million euros (approximately 92 million NIS) was signed during the meeting. This deal involves the sale of Rafael’s “Drone Dome” system to enhance security at strategic locations and strengthen existing defense systems.
Israel will also enhance industrial-security cooperation, which includes transferring information and technology to the local Greek industry.
The Israeli government stated that this project marks another significant milestone in security cooperation between Israel and Greece. Greece is a key strategic partner for Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean. The government emphasized that Greece’s choice of Israeli technology for its largest air defense program in the past decade reflects the deep trust between the two nations.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz remarked, “My recent visit to Greece as a guest of Defense Minister Dendias is further evidence of the depth of strategic relations between Israel and Greece and our shared commitment to strengthen them. In our meeting, we agreed to enhance security cooperation between our countries. Israel and Greece share strategic interests and face similar regional challenges. At a time when elements seeking dominance are trying to increase their influence and create instability in the region, Israel and Greece will continue to deepen their security and strategic cooperation, working steadfastly to maintain stability and strengthen their security and shared interests.”
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