Greece to buy $3.5 billion air defense system from Israel

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Greece is expected to sign a deal with Israel on August 31 to buy a multi-layered air defense system worth about 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion), Reuters reported, citing two security sources.

The deal is part of Greece's extensive military modernization program, which includes advanced short-, medium- and long-range missile systems.

Greek officials will sign four agreements worth a total of about 3 billion euros with the Israeli Defense Ministry's SIBAT and MAFAT directorates in Tel Aviv on Monday, August 31, one of the sources said.

They cover three types of missiles and radar systems. Greece plans to spend about 28 billion euros by 2036 to create a multi-layered ballistic missile, aircraft and drone defense system called the "Achilles Shield".

Athens also plans to buy up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the United States and frigates from France and Italy.

The source added that a drone defense system will also be purchased as part of a separate deal.

Greece currently uses US-made Patriot systems, Russian S-300 systems and various short-range air defense systems to protect its airspace.

The country spends about 3.5 percent of its gross domestic product on defense. This is higher than in many NATO countries, and is also due to Greece's long-standing conflict with neighboring Turkey.

Greece and Israel have strong economic and diplomatic ties. The two countries jointly run a training center for the air force in Greece, hold annual joint military exercises, and cooperate on anti-drone systems and cybersecurity.

In 2025, Athens purchased 36 Israeli-made missile-artillery systems for about 650 million euros.