Greece to sign $4.43 billion deal with Israel for air defence system

ATHENS – Greece is expected to sign a deal with Israel on Aug 31 to buy a multi-layer air defence system worth about €3 billion (S$4.43 billion) as part of a broader military modernisation programme, two security sources told Reuters.The country’s security council has given initial approval to the deal, which includes advanced short, medium and long-range missile systems.“Greek officials later on Monday will sign four agreements with Israeli SIBAT and MAFAT directorates in Tel Aviv worth about €3 billion for three types of missiles and radar systems,” one of the officials told Reuters.Greece plans to spend about €28 billion by 2036 to build the “Achilles Shield” multi-layer anti-ballistic, anti-aircraft and anti-drone system, and to buy up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the US and frigates from France and Italy.The source added that a separate agreement for an anti-drone system would also be signed.Greece, which uses US-made Patriot systems, Russian S-300 systems and various short-range air defences to protect its airspace, spends nearly 3.5 per cent of its gross domestic product on defence, a higher proportion than many NATO allies due to its long-standing dispute with neighbouring Turkey.Greece and Israel, which have strong economic and diplomatic ties, operate an air training centre in Greece, hold joint annual military exercises and cooperate on anti-drone systems and cybersecurity.In 2025, Athens bought 36 Israeli-made rocket artillery systems for about €650 million. REUTERS