Greece is preparing to sign what is expected to become the largest defense export agreement in Israel’s history. The €3.1 billion contract is scheduled to be signed in Tel Aviv on August 31 under a program called Achilles Shield, surpassing the $3.5 billion deal for the sale of Arrow 3 systems to Germany in 2023, Voennoye Obozreniye reports.
Under the project, Athens will acquire three Israeli air defense systems — SPYDER, Barak MX and David’s Sling. Together, they are intended to form a multilayer shield against potential threats from Turkey and Iran.
The short-range layer will rely on Rafael’s mobile SPYDER AiO system. With an engagement range of up to 40 kilometers, it is set to replace Greece’s aging Soviet-made Osa-AK and Tor-M1 systems. Its primary role will be intercepting drones and low-flying targets.
The middle tier will be built around IAI’s Barak MX, designed to counter aircraft and cruise missiles. David’s Sling will cover longer ranges, providing protection against ballistic threats and heavy missiles.
All three systems are expected to operate through a unified command network using artificial intelligence. The system will identify the type of incoming threat and select an appropriate interceptor based in part on cost, ranging from a simpler weapon against a drone to a more expensive missile intended for a ballistic target.
Athens has also made access to the software source code a separate requirement of the agreement. Greece expects this to allow it to maintain the purchased systems independently and reduce its technological dependence.
Part of the contract spending will remain inside Greece. Around 12 Greek companies are expected to receive subcontracts worth more than €700 million in total, equivalent to roughly a quarter of the program’s overall budget.
The Achilles Shield is due to be deployed within 35 months. The main challenge, however, will not be the delivery of the Israeli equipment itself, but integrating all three systems with the US-made Patriot batteries already in service with the Greek military.