Greece Signs $3.5 Billion Air Defense Deal with Israel

Greece has formally signed a $3.5 billion deal to acquire a multi-layered air defense system from Israel, marking the largest defense agreement between the two nations to date. The system, named "Achilles Shield," is expected to be delivered in phases and reach full operational readiness within 35 months.

According to a statement from Israel's Ministry of Defense, Achilles Shield comprises three main weapon systems: David's Sling, Spyder, and Barak MX. David's Sling is an advanced missile defense system capable of intercepting tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and medium-range rockets at distances ranging from 40 to 300 kilometers. Spyder is a surface-to-air missile system focused on low-altitude threats such as aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and guided bombs. Barak MX is a multi-mode defense system that can address a variety of threats, from fighter jets and helicopters to cruise missiles and UAVs, at ranges of 35 to 150 kilometers.

In addition, Israel will provide multi-functional radars for airspace surveillance and a command center supported by artificial intelligence. A supplementary agreement worth $30 million will also include Israel's sale of a drone dome system to Greece.

Analysts suggest that Greece is increasingly concerned about threats stemming from the US-Israel war with Iran, particularly after Tehran launched attacks on US allies in the Gulf. Wolfgang Pusztai, a former Austrian defense attaché to Greece, noted that Greece hosts US naval bases, which could become targets for Iran in the future. He argued that the new air defense system would be a necessary capability for Greece and other European countries in case of an Iranian threat.

Greece is also wary of Turkey's growing drone capabilities. The two countries have long disputed maritime boundaries in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. According to Pusztai, Athens will deploy the first components of Achilles Shield in the Aegean Sea region to counter this threat.

Turkey has not yet issued an official response to the deal, but Turkish analysts have begun speaking out in the media, suggesting that Greece's purchase of weapons from Israel makes Athens complicit in Israel's actions in the West Bank and Gaza. Earlier, Cyprus also purchased Israel's Barak defense system in December, which drew criticism from Turkish defense commentators.

In Greece, many citizens oppose strengthening ties with Israel amid the Gaza conflict. According to a Pew Research Center poll released in June, about 76% of Greeks do not trust Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do the right thing in world affairs. Former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis has strongly criticized the agreement, calling the transformation of Greece into a satellite of Israel a negative development and urging opposition.