Greece’s top national security body is expected to approve today (Thursday) a €3 billion ($3.2 billion) procurement package for Israeli-made defense systems, as part of the “Achilles Shield” air and missile defense program.
1+The program includes Rafael’s Spider and David’s Sling systems, as well as the Barak MX system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries. Sources told the Greek newspaper Kathimerini that the council is also expected to approve the purchase of V-BAT drones for army reconnaissance operations, Huron unmanned aircraft for the air force, Victa submarines for special forces units, and new C-390 Millennium transport aircraft.
Final Step Before Contract Signing
Approval by the KYSEA council marks the final official step required before implementing Greece’s largest arms program in recent years. The initiative is designed to protect critical infrastructure on the islands and mainland from a wide range of modern threats, including ballistic missiles, air attacks, autonomous systems, and cyber threats.
1+Several days after the council meeting, representatives from the Defense Cooperation Directorate at Israel’s Ministry of Defense (SIBAT) are expected to arrive in Athens to sign the contracts prepared by Greece’s Directorate General for Defense Investments and Armaments.