Greece and Israel sign 3 billion euro deal for Achilles Shield air defense system

On September 1, 2026, Greece and Israel finalized a historic defense agreement dubbed the "Achilles Shield." This 3-billion-euro deal involves the delivery of a comprehensive, unified air defense network to Greece, the first country to receive such a fully integrated system from Israel. The infrastructure will include Rafael’s SPYDER, David’s Sling, and BARAK MX systems, alongside ELTA multi-mission radars and a national command center. Additionally, a separate 26-million-euro contract covers the acquisition of Drone Dome systems to protect strategic installations.

The agreement also fosters industrial cooperation, with over 700 million euros in contracts allocated to Greek companies, ensuring significant technology and know-how transfer. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias emphasized that the project establishes a domestic production base for anti-aircraft, anti-drone, and anti-ballistic defenses. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Turkey, with officials warning of potential negative economic consequences for Greece.

While the deal does not directly include the Republic of Cyprus, analysts suggest it solidifies a strategic axis in the Eastern Mediterranean. The defense assets are designed to address modern aerial threats, including cruise and ballistic missiles, effectively shielding Greek airspace using proven combat-tested technologies.