Greece is moving forward with a major defence upgrade, advancing plans to acquire advanced Israeli air defence systems as part of its ambitious “Achilles Shield” programme, aimed at boosting deterrence amid ongoing tensions with Turkey.
According to reports, a Greek parliamentary committee has approved a €3 billion multi-layer air and anti-drone defence system, alongside the upgrade of 38 F-16 fighter jets, bringing the total cost of the package to approximately €4 billion ($4.6 billion).
Achilles Shield: A new era in Greek air defence
The programme, set to run from 2025 to 2036, forms part of a broader €28 billion defence modernisation plan designed to significantly enhance Greece’s military capabilities.
At the core of the initiative is the Achilles Shield, a multi-layered defence network integrating cutting-edge Israeli systems, including:
- Spyder for short-range air defence
- Barak MX for medium-range threats
- David’s Sling for intercepting ballistic missiles
These systems are developed by leading Israeli defence firms Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
The agreement is expected to be finalised as a government-to-government deal in the coming weeks, potentially offering a combination of systems rather than a single standalone solution.
One of Europe’s most advanced defence networks
Once operational, the new systems will complement Greece’s existing Patriot missile batteries, creating one of the most sophisticated air defence networks in Europe.
Athens has also approved additional defence upgrades, including:
- Acquisition of 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Elbit Systems
- Upgrade of four MEKO 200 frigates
- Maintenance agreement for C-27J military transport aircraft
Meanwhile, Greece plans to upgrade 38 older F-16 Block 50 jets to the advanced “Viper” configuration, at a cost of around €1 billion. The Hellenic Air Force currently operates approximately 150 F-16s, with around 40 already upgraded.
Strategic message to Ankara
The sweeping military modernisation reflects growing tensions between Athens and Ankara, particularly over maritime boundaries and energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias described the Achilles Shield as a “central pillar of the country’s new deterrence doctrine,” stating that it will usher Greece’s armed forces into a “new era.”
Speaking from London following meetings with UK Defence Secretary John Healey and National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, Dendias also highlighted broader regional concerns.
Discussions focused on the evolving security landscape in the Middle East, including Iran-related threats and the security of Cyprus, particularly after recent drone activity targeting British bases on the island.
“We exchanged views on the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, Iran, and the broader security threats that intersect with the Eastern Mediterranean,” Dendias said.
