Greece is in advanced negotiations with Israel to integrate artificial intelligence software into its planned Achilles’ Shield air defense system. The AI platform will automatically detect, classify and determine the most effective interception response to incoming threats in real time.
The Israeli-developed software—owned by the Israel Ministry of Defense—will be linked to the system’s core components, most of which are also Israeli-made. These include anti-ballistic missile defenses, counter-drone capabilities and anti-aircraft systems. By instantly identifying the nature of a threat—whether a projectile, drone, aircraft or missile—the system will select the most suitable interceptor without requiring prior human evaluation.
The objective is to maximize the operational efficiency of the Achilles’ Shield while embedding advanced AI capabilities within the Greek armed forces. Real-time precision targeting is also expected to conserve valuable resources, ensuring that high-cost missiles are not deployed against inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicles. The initiative aims to unify Greece’s air defense architecture and enhance the performance of the National Operations Center.
High-level discussions between Athens and Jerusalem have been ongoing for months. Initial talks were held between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, followed by meetings between Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. Negotiations have now moved into a technical phase and are reportedly close to completion.
The Achilles’ Shield will incorporate existing systems, including U.S.-made MIM-104 Patriot mobile air defense units and counter-drone “soft kill” technologies deployed on islands and critical mainland infrastructure. It will also be reinforced by the SPYDER short-range, self-propelled air defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, which is expected to replace aging Russian and Eastern Bloc-era OSA-AK and TOR-M1 platforms that face ongoing support challenges.
Further discussions include the potential acquisition of the Barak MX medium-range system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and the David’s Sling for long-range ballistic missile defense. Greece is also planning to integrate the PULS rocket artillery system produced by Elbit Systems.