Greece to Buy $3.9 Billion in Israeli Air Defense Systems

Representatives of Greece’s defense establishment will sign a security deal in Israel today (Monday) worth approximately €3.6 billion. Greece will purchase defense systems made by Israeli defense companies, including Rafael’s David’s Sling and Spyder systems, as well as Israel Aerospace Industries’ Barak system.

According to reports, the agreement between Israel and Greece comes amid Turkey’s efforts to build up its power in the region. Israel, as previously noted, has security ties with Greece and Cyprus.

In Greece, officials said this is one of the country’s largest defense deals. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis approved the defense procurement plans in his government about two weeks ago. Greece is seeking to build a broad defense network and has decided to rely primarily on technology from Israeli defense companies. 

The Israeli defense systems will give Greece the ability to intercept a wide range of threats, from suicide drones to ballistic missiles.

The Greek newspaper Kathimerini noted that Greece will fully own the systems’ management software, with no possibility of Israeli intervention. The defense project is also only one part of the Greek military’s plans. Among other measures, the purchase of Heron 1 UAVs, also made by Israel Aerospace Industries, was approved, along with ten V-BAT UAVs, small SAR observation satellites for real-time intelligence, and anti-drone warfare systems.