Conflict & Security
Greece approves Israeli-made systems for Achilles Shield defence dome
Greece approved the purchase of Israeli anti-missile, anti-aircraft and anti-drone systems to create an "Achilles Shield" protective dome, a defence ministry source said on Thursday.
The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said around three billion euros of a wider 4.2 billion euro, or $4.8 billion, spending programme would go toward Israeli-made systems for the shield.
Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said on X that Greece had entered "a new era" and "a new reality". He confirmed that the country's KYSEA foreign affairs and defence council had approved a series of major contracts.
A ministry document seen by AFP said Greece would also buy C-390 Millennium transport aircraft made by Brazil's Embraer, Heron drones from Israel, Apache helicopter missiles, British-made Victa stealth watercraft and frigate sonar systems. The document said Greek defence firms would contribute 700 million euros to the dome project.
Israel's air-defence network, including the Iron Dome system designed to intercept short-range rockets and missiles, has been used heavily during the Middle East war.
Greece is a NATO member and has traditionally spent at least two percent of gross domestic product on defence because of long-running tensions with neighbouring Turkey. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis last year announced a 25-billion-euro military modernisation programme over 12 years.
The source said Greece is now one of four European NATO members spending at least three percent of GDP on its military. Mitsotakis, who faces elections by next spring, has called the project the most drastic defence overhaul in modern Greek history.
Greece has also sought to strengthen its position in the eastern Mediterranean, near several Middle East conflict zones. Athens has agreed to buy four Belharra frigates and 24 Rafale fighter jets from France and has signed a deal to acquire 20 US-made F-35 fighters.
The defence ministry says the modernisation programme must reflect lessons from the war in Ukraine and is intended to prepare Greece's armed forces for 21st-century challenges.
Update
The source says around three billion euros of a broader 4.2 billion euro spending plan will go to Israeli-made systems for the Achilles Shield.
Greece will also buy C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, Heron drones, Apache helicopter missiles, British-made Victa stealth watercraft and frigate sonar systems.
A ministry document said Greek defence firms would contribute 700 million euros to the dome project.
The source adds context on Greece's 25-billion-euro, 12-year military modernisation programme and planned purchases from France and the United States.
Source note: AFP news report published on 23 July 2026 at 16:04:38 UTC.
Update
The Achilles Shield purchase is part of a 4.2 billion euro defence spending package.
A ministry document seen by AFP said Greek defence contractors would contribute 700 million euros to the dome project.
The package also includes C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, Heron unmanned aerial vehicles, Apache helicopter missiles, Victa stealth watercraft and frigate sonar systems.
The Victa watercraft will be mostly produced at Greece's Skaramangas shipyards, according to the ministry document.
Greece has agreed to buy 20 US-made F-35 fighter jets.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced in 2025 that 25 billion euros would be spent on defence over the next 12 years.
Source note: AFP news report published on 23 July 2026 at 14:02:19 UTC.
Update
The Achilles Shield purchase is stated at 2.8 billion euros.
A defence ministry source said the Greek council of foreign affairs and defence, KYSEA, approved the purchase at a meeting headed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The wider 4.2 billion euro defence package also includes C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, Heron unmanned aerial vehicles, Apache helicopter missiles, Victa stealth watercraft and frigate sonar systems, according to a ministry document cited in the report.
Greece now allocates more than three percent of output to defence.
Athens has signed a deal to acquire 20 US-made F-35 fighter jets.
Mitsotakis announced in 2025 that 25 billion euros would be spent on defence over the next 12 years.
Source note: AFP news report published on 23 July 2026 at 10:55:36 UTC.
Update
Greece formalised plans for an anti-missile, anti-aircraft and anti-drone defensive dome called "Achilles's Shield".
A defence ministry source said the system is being procured from Israel.
The purchase is part of a 4.2 billion euro, or $4.8 billion, defence spending programme.
A ministry document seen by AFP said the programme also includes C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, Heron unmanned aerial vehicles, Apache helicopter missiles, Victa stealth watercraft and frigate sonar systems.
Source note: AFP news report published on 23 July 2026 at 10:40:37 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The defence ministry source spoke on condition of anonymity.
The source does not provide a delivery schedule for the systems.
Source
AFP news report published on .