Greece approves $3.4 billion package to build Achilles Shield air defense network.
The Greek government approved a $3.4 billion investment to purchase air defense systems from Israel, UAVs from the US, and C-390 Millennium transport aircraft from Brazil.
The Greek government has approved a defense budget of over 3 billion euros (equivalent to 3.4 billion USD) to implement the Achilles Shield air defense network project. The program focuses on equipping advanced air defense missile systems from Israel, combined with a fleet of US reconnaissance drones and tactical transport aircraft from Brazil.
Constructing multi-story air defense architecture based on the Israeli model.
The core of the Achilles Shield project is the establishment of a multi-layered defense network to enhance interception capabilities against ballistic missile, cruise missile, rocket, and suicide drone (UAV) attacks. The Greek government has been negotiating to adopt a defense architecture similar to Israel's multi-layered structure.
Specifically, the list of items under negotiation and planned procurement includes the David's Sling air defense system manufactured by Rafael, along with surveillance radar systems produced by ELTA Systems (a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries - IAI). In Israel's standard three-tiered defense model, Iron Dome covers the lowest tier, David's Sling protects the middle tier, and the Arrow system handles the highest tier.
Greece's move comes as many countries are stepping up the construction of integrated air defense systems to counter the surge in UAV warfare. Notable examples include programs similar to the US Golden Dome and Türkiye's Steel Dome.
The fleet will be supplemented with reconnaissance UAVs and C-390 Millennium transport aircraft.
In addition to missile systems and air defense radars, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed that the government has approved a plan to purchase modern unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This list includes 10 US-made Shield AI MQ-35A V-BAT UAVs and one Israeli IAI Heron long-range reconnaissance UAV.
To enhance its tactical transport and air force logistics capabilities, Greece has ordered three Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft manufactured by the Brazilian company Embraer. The first C-390 Millennium is scheduled to be delivered to Greece next year.
