Greece signs $3.5bn missile defence deal with Israel

August 31, 2026 at 07:57 PM1 min

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Greece signed a $3.5 billion deal with Israel on Monday in Tel Aviv to acquire a multi-layered air defence system, the largest defence agreement between the two countries. The system, known as Achilles Shield, is scheduled to reach full operational readiness within 35 months. The agreement comes as Greece's relations with Turkiye have deteriorated.

Key Facts

The deal is valued at $3.5 billion and was signed on Monday in Tel Aviv.
Greece will spend about 28 billion euros ($32 billion) by 2036 on the Achilles Shield system, up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the United States, and frigates from France and Italy.
The Achilles Shield system is scheduled to reach full operational readiness within 35 months.
The system includes David's Sling, Spyder, and Barak MX air defence systems, along with multi-mission radars and an AI-enabled command centre.

The Defence Package

The Achilles Shield comprises three core systems: David's Sling, Spyder, and Barak MX. David's Sling, developed by the Israeli Missile Defense Organization, intercepts tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and medium-to-long-range rockets from 40km to 300km away. Spyder, manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, targets low-altitude threats such as aircraft, helicopters, drones, and guided munitions. Barak MX, made by Israel Aerospace Industries, engages threats from 35km to 150km using four interceptor models. Israel will also deliver multi-mission radars and an artificial intelligence-enabled command centre.

Regional Context

The agreement comes as Greece's relations with Turkiye have grown more sour. Greece and Israel have long shared economic and diplomatic ties and regularly conduct joint military exercises. The deal breaks with broader European wariness of being seen as too close to Israel following the war on Gaza and Israeli efforts to annex the occupied West Bank.