Vassilis Nedos
11.11.2025 • 10:19
Greece has moved to restart talks with Israel over acquiring several advanced air defense systems as part of its multilevel protection network, known as “Achilles’ Shield,” a central pillar of the country’s 12-year Medium-Term Defense Armament Plan.
The unfreezing of negotiations opens the way for the likely procurement of three Israeli-made systems that would replace outdated anti-aircraft weapons and cover three layers of threats.
The Spyder system by Rafael is expected to succeed the aging Russian-made OSA-AK and TOR-M1 systems, which face long-standing maintenance and parts shortages.
The Barak MX system, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) – which also owns Greece’s Intracom Defense – would replace the reliable but aging Hawk units.
Athens is also discussing the acquisition of the David’s Sling system, in its SkyCeptor version, to defend against long-range and ballistic missile threats and to replace the S-300s, whose support from Russia has become increasingly unfeasible.
It goes without saying that the Patriot systems of the Air Force remain the backbone of the country’s air defense.
The talks had been paused amid Israel’s military operations in Gaza to avoid political criticism over potential weapons transactions. With the ceasefire now in effect, Athens decided to resume the program, underscoring its strategic importance for Greece’s air defense architecture
The initial cost of the Achilles’ Shield project is estimated at just under €3 billion, enough to protect Thrace and the eastern Aegean islands, with expansion to other areas planned over time. The program also envisions coverage against aerial and naval drone threats.
Israeli proposals currently hold an advantage over European consortiums due to strong technology transfer commitments. In the coming period, procedural developments are expected first within the Defense Ministry, then at the Government Council for National Security (KYSEA), and finally in Parliament.
