Greece eyes €5bln defense plan featuring ‘Iron Dome’ type shield
Greece is preparing a major defense modernization package worth about €5 billion, with the centerpiece being the development of a multi-layered national air defense system dubbed the “Achilles’ Shield.” The project is reportedly modeled on Iron Dome operated by Israel and will be discussed at a parliamentary committee meeting in Athens on Monday.
Government sources say the initiative comes amid growing global concern about the effectiveness of air defense systems in modern conflicts. The widespread use of ballistic missiles, drones and loitering munitions in recent wars has exposed vulnerabilities in traditional air defense networks. Countries such as Israel, which operate layered systems including THAAD and MIM-104 Patriot, have reportedly achieved interception rates exceeding 85 percent against incoming aerial threats.
Multilayered air defense network
The “Achilles’ Shield” project, estimated to cost nearly €3 billion, will form the core of the defense package. The system is intended to cover the entire territory of Greece—both land and sea—and function as an integrated network combining sensors, radars and missile-defense platforms.
According to the plan, the shield will incorporate Israeli-made systems including SPYDER AIO, Barak MX and David's Sling, supported by the ELM-2084 radar for detection and tracking of aerial targets. These systems will operate alongside Greece’s existing Patriot missile batteries and a network of sensors deployed across islands in the Aegean Sea.
All components will be coordinated by the newly established Hellenic National Defence General Staff Joint Unified Air Defense Command, created earlier this year to integrate the country’s air defense capabilities.
Another key element of the modernization package involves upgrading 38 F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 50 fighter jets to the more advanced Viper configuration. The program, valued at approximately €1.1 billion, will strengthen the core of the Hellenic Air Force fleet.
The upgrades will include a new radar system, an advanced mission computer, certification for precision-guided weapons and integration of the Link 16 data link. This will allow the aircraft to exchange real-time operational data with Dassault Rafale fighters, the future F-35 Lightning II stealth jets and naval assets such as the FDI-class frigate.
Transport aircraft support
The government also plans to sign a five-year, €240 million support contract for a squadron of Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft. The planes have played an important logistical role in recent years, particularly as Greece’s larger Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft have faced maintenance challenges and spare parts shortages.
The agreement aims to restore operational readiness within the transport fleet and includes limited modernization work to ensure continued manufacturer support.
Preparing for the F-35
The Defense Ministry will also present infrastructure upgrades at the 117th Combat Wing at the Andravida Air Base in southwestern Greece in preparation for the arrival of F-35 stealth fighters.
The projects, expected to cost under €300 million, include the construction of new maintenance facilities, hardened aircraft shelters, improved perimeter security and enhanced cybersecurity systems designed to meet U.S. standards for operating the advanced aircraft.
Next steps
If approved by the parliamentary armaments committee, the plan will move to the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA) for authorization. The proposals would then return to parliament for final ratification before contracts are signed by the General Directorate for Defense Investments and Armaments.
Greek officials describe the package as one of the country’s most ambitious defense modernization efforts in recent years, aimed at strengthening deterrence and adapting to evolving security threats in the region.
Source:Tovima
