Greece and Israel are due to sign agreements in Tel Aviv on Monday to launch Athens’ €3.1 billion Achilles Shield integrated air and missile defence network. The programme will combine Greek Patriot batteries and drones already deployed on the mainland and islands with Israeli-made systems, creating a single layered architecture for aircraft, missiles and drone threats.
The package centres on Rafael’s SPYDER for low-altitude targets, Israel Aerospace Industries’ Barak MX for aircraft and missiles, and David’s Sling for heavier threats including ballistic and cruise missiles. Greek officials want the network to connect sensors, command and control, interceptors and counter-drone capabilities rather than operate separate platforms.
The agreement is expected to involve Greece’s General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments and Israel’s SIBAT, alongside the Israeli defence bodies and companies participating in the programme. Athens approved the wider €4.2 billion procurement plan in July, with the air-defence component accounting for about €3.1 billion.
Delivery is expected in stages over about 35 months after contracts take effect. Several reports also point to the participation of about 12 Greek companies, with local industrial work valued at more than €700 million and a target of roughly 25% Greek participation.