Play store
Israel has signed a €3 billion ($3.5 billion) defence export deal with Greece, the largest weapons agreement between the two Mediterranean countries, as Israeli defence exports reach record levels.
The deal, dubbed the “Achilles Shield,” includes a multilayered air defence system based on Israeli technology, Israel’s Defence Ministry said Monday.
“Israel and Greece share common strategic interests and face shared regional challenges,” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said, citing growing efforts by regional actors to expand their influence and undermine stability.
The agreement comes as Israeli defence exports surpassed $19 billion last year, up 30% from 2024, according to official data. The increase has come despite international criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.
Experts say Israel’s weapons remain attractive to governments because many of its systems have been tested in combat, allowing potential buyers to assess their effectiveness in real-world conditions.
Israel and Greece have significantly strengthened their defence ties over the past decade. Monday’s agreement is their largest to date as Greece seeks to modernise its armed forces amid long-standing disputes with fellow NATO member Türkiye over maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean.
Previous agreements include a $1.65 billion deal with Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems to establish a flight training centre in southern Greece, as well as planned purchases of Israeli rocket launchers, anti-tank guided missiles and drones.
According to Israel, the latest agreement marks the first time it will provide Greece with a comprehensive defence package designed to counter threats ranging from ballistic missiles to drones. The package includes the David’s Sling and SPYDER air defence systems, along with a new national command-and-control system.
A separate €26 million ($30 million) agreement was also signed for the sale of Rafael’s Drone Dome systems.
“Modern conflicts have already altered the parameters of military defence and deterrence,” Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said, citing advances in ballistic missiles, satellite communications, unmanned systems, cyber threats and hybrid warfare.
More than half of Israel’s defence industry sales are reportedly generated by missiles, rockets and air-defence systems.
