Israel and Greece on Monday signed a €3 billion ($3.5 billion) defence agreement to develop a multi-layered air defence system for Greece.

The agreement is part of Greece’s wider military modernisation programme.

Israel’s Defence Ministry described the “Achilles Shield” deal as its largest-ever defence export agreement with Greece and one of the biggest defence deals in Israel’s history.

Amir Baram, director-general of Israel’s Defence Ministry, said the deal demonstrated Israel’s technological capabilities and the performance of its defence systems.

Under the agreement, Greece will receive the David’s Sling and SPYDER systems, manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, and the BARAK MX system produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

The package will also include MMR multi-mission radars for air surveillance, manufactured by IAI’s ELTA Systems.

Israel used David’s Sling to intercept Iranian missiles during the conflict with Iran earlier this year.Greece will become the second country, after Finland, to acquire the David’s Sling system.Greece currently spends nearly 3.5 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence, partly due to its long-running dispute with neighbouring Turkey.

As part of its modernisation plans, Athens intends to invest about €28 billion by 2036 in the Achilles Shield, a multi-layered system designed to counter ballistic missiles, aircraft and drones.

Greece is also expected to acquire up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the United States, alongside frigates from France and Italy.

The latest agreement includes a national command-and-control system developed by Rafael to integrate Greece’s various air defence capabilities.

In a separate €26 million agreement, Israel will supply Rafael’s Drone Dome systems to protect strategic sites from drone threats and strengthen existing defences.

Israel and Greece will also deepen defence industrial cooperation, including transferring technology and expertise to Greek industries.

(NAN)