Greece has formally approved a series of major defense acquisitions, including a €3.5 billion ($4 billion) Israeli-built multi-layer air defense network, advanced unmanned systems, and Embraer’s C-390 military transport aircraft, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced on Thursday.
According to Dendias, Greece’s Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) had granted preliminary approval to the procurement plans earlier this year before giving final authorization to the contracts during its latest meeting.
At the center of the modernization effort is the “Achilles Shield,” a comprehensive air defense architecture designed to protect against ballistic missiles, aircraft, and drones. The system will rely primarily on Israeli radar and missile technologies supplied by Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Dendias said the integrated shield is expected to become fully operational within 35 months. He also noted that Greek industry will participate significantly in the program, with domestic companies responsible for producing at least one-quarter of the system.
The investment forms part of Greece’s broader defense modernization strategy, which allocates approximately €28 billion through 2036 to upgrade military capabilities. The country currently depends on U.S.-made Patriot missile batteries alongside aging Russian S-300 systems for national air defense.
Athens is also moving ahead with plans to acquire up to 40 F-35 stealth fighter aircraft from the United States, while continuing naval modernization through the purchase of frigates from France and Italy.
In addition to the air defense package, KYSEA approved the acquisition of three Embraer C-390 transport aircraft, 10 British-built VICTA mini-submarines for special operations, V-BAT unmanned aerial vehicles from the United States, and Israeli-made Heron drones.
Greece remains one of NATO’s highest defense spenders, allocating nearly 3.5% of its gross domestic product to military expenditure. The elevated defense budget reflects the country’s longstanding security tensions with neighboring Turkey.
Defense cooperation between Greece and Israel has expanded considerably in recent years. The two countries jointly operate an air force training center in Greece, regularly conduct combined military exercises, and collaborate on counter-drone technologies and cybersecurity initiatives.
The latest procurement follows another major agreement signed last year, under which Greece purchased 36 Israeli rocket artillery systems in a deal valued at approximately €650 million.
