Greece signs $3.5 billion air defense deal with Israel
Al Jazeera Staff
Greece has signed a $3.5 billion defense deal with Israel to build its first multi-layered air defense system, integrating SPYDER, BARAK MX, and David's Sling systems. The agreement, negotiated over three years, is expected to be completed by 2029.
Greece has signed a $3.5 billion defense agreement with Israel to build its first integrated multi-layered air defense system. According to a statement from Israel's Defense Ministry on Monday, the deal was negotiated over the past three years and is considered one of the largest contracts in Israel's history.
The air defense system will integrate three Israeli-made weapons, including Rafael Advanced Defense Systems' SPYDER, Israel Aerospace Industries' BARAK MX, and David's Sling missile defense technology. Israeli engineers will deploy to install the shield for Greece.
The agreement comes amid record-high Israeli arms exports, despite widespread criticism over conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Official data shows Israeli arms exports reached a record $19 billion last year, up 30% from 2024.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said: "Modern conflicts have changed the parameters of defense and military deterrence. Technology, ballistic missiles, satellite communications, unmanned systems, cyber threats, hybrid warfare, and the interconnection of fronts have rendered old defense doctrines obsolete."
Al Jazeera's John Psaropoulos in Athens said the systems can handle various aerial threats. "SPYDER and David's Sling are short- and medium-range air defense systems that fire interceptor missiles against enemy aircraft, cruise missiles, and large drones. BARAK can do all that, but it can also intercept ballistic missiles," he explained.
Additionally, Greece signed a $30 million deal with Israel for Rafael's Drone Dome system, aimed at "protecting strategic targets against UAVs and drones, while enhancing existing defenses."
Changing European security landscape
Greece is the second European Union member to agree to purchase the David's Sling system, following Finland. According to Psaropoulos, "Greece is drawing lessons from the war in Ukraine, which has changed the nature of armed conflict, and sees the need for stronger air defenses to intercept threats from the East."
He added: "With the Gulf war reviving Iran's hostility toward US allies in Europe, the threat from Iran as well as other Eastern nations is considered real."
Greece spends nearly 3.5% of its GDP on defense, a higher rate than many NATO members, due to long-standing tensions with Turkey. The deal with Israel is expected to be completed by 2029.
