Israel has officially concluded a defence export agreement worth nearly 3 billion Euros with Greece, marking the largest weapons deal to date between the two nations. The contract, titled Achilles Shield, will provide Greece with a sophisticated multilayered air defence system based on Israeli technology. This agreement is part of a broader trend where Israeli arms exports have surged significantly, reflecting the country’s robust defence capabilities.

Statistics reveal that Israeli defence exports attained a record level, surpassing USD 19 billion in the previous year, demonstrating a 30 per cent increase from 2024. The Defence Ministry of Israel has indicated that the agreement with Greece holds a value of approximately USD 3.5 billion, classifying it among the major defence export contracts for the nation. This surge in exports persists despite ongoing international criticism regarding Israel’s military actions in conflicts involving Gaza, Hezbollah, and Iran.

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, indicated that both nations share strategic interests and face similar regional threats. He highlighted that the current geopolitical climate, characterised by actors with dominant ambitions, necessitates strong collaborative defence efforts.

Implications for Greece’s Military Modernisation

The defence agreement comes amid Greece’s ongoing efforts to modernise its military forces to remain competitive with Turkey, a fellow NATO member. Long-standing disputes over maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean have prompted Greece to strengthen its defence capabilities, leading to this significant partnership with Israel.

In previous collaborations, the countries have entered into agreements such as a USD 1.65 billion contract with the Israeli defence firm Elbit to establish a flight training institution in southern Greece. Furthermore, they have also negotiated the sale of various Israeli military equipment, including rockets, anti-tank guided missiles, and drones. The current deal represents a comprehensive approach, as it encompasses a wide range of defence weaponry capable of countering threats such as ballistic missiles and unmanned systems.

The defence package incorporates advanced systems, including David’s Sling and SPYDER, supported by a newly developed national command and control system. Additionally, a complementary arrangement worth USD 30 million, or 26 million Euros, has also been formalised for the acquisition of Rafael’s Drone Dome systems. These advancements reflect Greece’s commitment to enhancing its military readiness.

Growing Defence Cooperation Between Israel and Greece

Experts suggest that the robust demand for Israeli arms stems from their proven effectiveness in real combat situations. The expansion of defence ties between Israel and Greece over the past decade is evident, with this latest agreement underscoring the strategic cooperation emerging from shared security concerns in the region.

More than half of Israel’s arms industry revenue is now derived from missiles, rockets, and air-defence systems. Notably, a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute showed that Israel has surpassed the United Kingdom in global arms exports for the first time, positioning itself as the world’s seventh-largest arms supplier. This shift highlights not only the increasing reliance of nations on advanced Israeli technology but also the strengthening bond between Israel and Greece in the sphere of military cooperation.

Following the formal signing of the agreement, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias remarked on the evolving nature of modern conflicts and the imperative need for adaptive military strategies. He noted that advancements in technology, including satellite communications, cyber threats, and hybrid warfare, have rendered traditional defence approaches inadequate. This agreement stands as a vital step in addressing these contemporary challenges through strategic partnerships.

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