Israel signs $3.5 billion air defense deal with Greece

Live updates

1. 13d ago

   Israel and Greece sign record $3.5 billion missile defense deal

   Israel and Greece have signed a multi-billion-dollar defense agreement for a comprehensive, multi-layered air defense system. Most sources value the deal at $3.5 billion, though some report €3 billion or $3.4 billion. Named "Achilles Shield," this is the largest weapons agreement between the two nations. The deal focuses on missile defense capabilities to counter threats from Iran and Turkey. It marks a significant expansion of the strategic military relationship between the two Mediterranean partners.

   Why it matters

   The agreement reflects Greece's effort to bolster its air defenses against regional adversaries. It also signals shifting European ties with Israel amid broader geopolitical tensions. The partnership emphasizes shared security concerns regarding Iranian and Turkish influence.

   What is confirmed

   • Israel and Greece signed a defense deal for a comprehensive missile defense system.
   • The agreement is the largest weapons deal ever signed between the two countries.
   • The defense deal is referred to as Achilles Shield.
   • Multiple sources value the agreement at $3.5 billion.
   • The deal provides a multi-layered air defense system.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The agreement is specifically targeted against Turkey and Iran.
   • The deal is valued at over NIS 10 billion.
   • The deal is valued at €3 billion.
   • The deal is valued at $3.4 billion.

   What to watch next

   • Delivery timelines for the Achilles Shield system components
   • Official confirmation of the final contract value in a single currency
   • Deployment locations of the missile defense systems within Greece
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. The Jerusalem Post — Greece, Israel sign over NIS 10b. defense agreement against Turkey, Iran
   2. politico.eu — Israel, Greece seal €3B ‘Achilles Shield’ defense deal
   3. dw.com — Israel signs €3 billion arms export deal with Greece
   4. AP News — Israel and Greece sign a multi-billion-dollar weapons deal, the largest between the countries
   5. Reuters — Israel signs $3.5 billion air defence deal with Greece
   6. The Times of Israel — Greece inks record $3.5 billion deal to buy comprehensive missile defense system from Israel
   7. Al Jazeera — Greece signs $3.5bn air defence deal with Israel
   8. Al Jazeera — Why has Greece signed a $3.5bn missile deal with Israel?
   9. Breaking Defense — Greece inks $3.4B deal for multi-layered Israeli air defense system
   10. The New York Times — Israel and Greece Reach $3.5 Billion Defense Deal
   11. Defense News — Israel signs $3.5 billion air defense deal with Greece
   12. Greek City Times — Turkish Analysts: Greece’s “Achilles Shield” Deal Makes It Complicit with Israel
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