Greece approves €4.2 billion defense package
Greece has approved 11 defense procurement programs worth a combined €4.2 billion, with the largest investment focused on a new Israeli technology-based air defense system designed to counter aircraft, missiles and drones.
The package was approved by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) as part of Athens’ broader effort to strengthen its military capabilities.
Air defense shield leads investment
The main project, known as Achilles’ Shield, is expected to cost around €3.1 billion and will be delivered within 35 months of the contract signing.
The system will include Israeli-made air defense technologies such as Spyder (All In One), Barak MX and David’s Sling, providing protection against aerial threats, ballistic missiles and unmanned systems.
Existing non-kinetic counter-drone systems deployed on islands in the eastern Aegean will also be upgraded.
Although the systems are produced by Israeli companies, negotiations secured the participation of 12 Greek firms in the project, with domestic industrial involvement exceeding €700 million.
The Greek government said local participation represents around 25% of the total project value, meeting a key requirement for major defense agreements.
Transport aircraft and naval systems included
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced details of the approved programs following the KYSEA meeting.
The package includes around €600 million for the acquisition of three Embraer C-390 transport aircraft through an interstate agreement with Portugal.
Additional projects include €145 million for 10 VICTA special operations vessels, €100 million for Hellfire missile supplies and €70 million for 10 additional V-BAT unmanned aerial systems.
Space, surveillance and military equipment upgrades
The approved programs also cover the acquisition of micro-satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar, HERON-1 unmanned aerial vehicles, night-vision equipment for the army and four sonar systems for the navy’s MEKO frigates.
The government said the procurement package forms part of Greece’s long-term defense modernization plan aimed at improving surveillance, air defense and operational readiness.
Source:Kathimerini
