Item 1 of 2 A PULS multiple rocket launcher miniature and artillery rockets by Israeli Elbit Systems is exhibited at the DEFEA Defence Exhibition, in Athens, Greece, May 8, 2025. REUTERS/Louiza Vradi
ATHENS, Nov 14 (Reuters) – Greece is in talks with Israel to buy modern missile systems that would be used for a planned anti-aircraft defence dome, two officials with knowledge of the plan told Reuters.
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About 3 billion euros will be used to create a multi-layer anti-aircraft and anti-drone system, called the “Achilles Shield”. It also plans to buy new stealth fighter jets, frigates and submarines from the U.S. and Europe.
Greece and Israel have strong economic and diplomatic ties. They have launched several joint exercises in recent years and they operate an air training centre in southern Greece.
A second Greek official confirmed that negotiations were underway.
Israel’s defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Greece, which also uses U.S.-made Patriot anti-aircraft defence systems, wants to replace its older Russian-made OSA, TOR-M1 and S-300.
In 2024, Greece expressed an interest in buying anti-aircraft and modern artillery systems from Israel, but Israel’s military operations in Gaza postponed the discussions, the second official said.
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Reporting by Lefteris Papadimas. Additional reporting by Magid Pesha. Editing by Mark Potter
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