Israel and Greece on Monday, 31 August signed the landmark 'Achilles Shield' defence agreement — one of the largest defence export deals in Israel's history — under which Israel will establish a comprehensive, multi-layered air defence system across Greece, built entirely on Israeli-made architecture and systems. The deal is valued at approximately three billion Euros (over 10 billion NIS).

What the Deal Covers

The 'Achilles Shield' programme encompasses several battle-proven Israeli systems: the 'David's Sling' missile defence system, developed under the 'Homa' Directorate at Israel's Ministry of Defence MAPAT in partnership with Rafael as the primary developer; the 'Barak MX' system manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI); the 'Spider' short-range air defence system manufactured by Rafael; and MMR multi-mission radars for air control, produced by the Elta division of IAI. A new national command and control system — to be developed under Rafael's leadership — will centralise all of Greece's air defence capabilities under one architecture. This marks the first time Israel's Defence Ministry has provided a foreign partner with a complete, integrated defence system capable of countering threats ranging from ballistic missiles and air strikes to hostile unmanned aerial vehicles.

Key Signatories and Officials Present

The signing ceremony took place in Tel Aviv and was attended by senior defence leadership from both nations. On the Israeli side, Major General Amir Baram, Director General of Israel's Ministry of Defence, signed the agreement alongside Yannis Boras, head of Greece's Procurement Directorate. Also present were Brigadier General Yair Koles, head of SIVAT; Brigadier General Danny Gold, head of the Defence Intelligence Agency; Yoav Turgeman, CEO of Rafael; Guy Bar Lev, CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries; and Moshe Fattal, head of the Defence Intelligence Agency's Wall Directorate, among other senior officials.

Drone Dome Add-On and Technology Transfer

Alongside the primary agreement, a complementary deal worth 26 million Euros (approximately 92 million NIS) was also signed for the supply of Rafael's Drone Dome systems, designed to protect strategic sites against drone threats and to reinforce Greece's existing defences. Israel will additionally deepen industrial-security cooperation with Greece, including the transfer of knowledge and technology to local Greek industry — a provision that signals a long-term strategic partnership beyond equipment supply.

Strategic Significance for Eastern Mediterranean

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the agreement as a direct expression of the two nations' deepening strategic alignment. 'Israel and Greece share common strategic interests and face common regional challenges. Precisely at a time when elements with hegemonic ambitions seek to expand their influence and destabilise the region, Israel and Greece will continue to deepen their security and strategic cooperation, and will act resolutely to preserve stability and strengthen their security and common interests,' Katz said. This comes amid heightened tensions across the Eastern Mediterranean, where both nations have identified shared concerns about regional destabilisation. Greece's decision to anchor its most ambitious air defence overhaul in a decade entirely on Israeli technology reflects, according to the Israeli government, the depth of trust built between the two countries over years of strategic engagement.

What Comes Next

With the deal now formally signed, the focus shifts to implementation timelines, system integration, and the establishment of local industrial partnerships in Greece. The scale and complexity of a multi-layered national air defence architecture mean deployment will unfold in phases. Both governments are expected to announce further operational and industrial details as the programme advances.