Greece has approved the acquisition of a new Israeli-developed integrated air and missile defence system, known as Achilles Shield. The development marks one of the country’s most significant defense investments in recent years.
The project, valued at approximately around $3.1–4 billion depending on the procurement package, forms the centrepiece of Greece’s long-term military modernization programme aimed at strengthening protection against missiles, aircraft and unmanned aerial systems, according to reports.
Multi-layered defensive architecture
According to Greek officials, the Achilles Shield will provide a multi-layered defensive architecture capable of countering ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, combat aircraft and drones through an integrated network of radars, sensors and interceptor systems. Israeli defense companies Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) are expected to supply the core technologies for the programme.
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said the system is expected to become fully operational within 35 months, with at least 25 percent of production to be carried out by Greek industry. The local manufacturing requirement is intended to strengthen Greece’s domestic defence sector while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers over the long term.
Procurement part of a broader defense package
The procurement is part of a broader defense package that also includes Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, Heron unmanned aerial vehicles, specialised naval equipment and additional weapons systems. These acquisitions support Athens’ wider plan to invest around €28 billion in defence modernisation through 2036.
Greece currently relies on a mix of U.S.-made Patriot missile batteries and older Russian-origin S-300 systems for air defence. Achilles Shield is expected to replace this fragmented approach with a more integrated, layered network capable of responding simultaneously to multiple aerial threats, including increasingly sophisticated drone attacks.
The decision also reflects the growing strategic partnership between Greece and Israel. In recent years, the two countries have expanded defence cooperation through joint military exercises, pilot training, cybersecurity initiatives and counter-drone technology development. Athens and Jerusalem have steadily strengthened security ties amid evolving geopolitical challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean.
For Greece, the investment is part of a broader effort to modernize its armed forces and enhance deterrence capabilities in a region marked by persistent security concerns. The country already spends one of the highest proportions of GDP on defence among NATO members and is simultaneously pursuing acquisitions such as F-35 fighter aircraft and new naval platforms to improve its overall military readiness.
The Achilles Shield programme is one element of Greece’s long-term military modernisation strategy, which aims to upgrade the country’s defence capabilities over the next decade. Alongside the air defence project, Athens has approved the procurement of transport aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, naval systems and other military equipment.
Greece is also continuing investments in advanced fighter aircraft and naval assets while expanding cooperation with key defence partners, including Israel and other NATO allies.