File photo.
Greece’s top national security body has given formal approval to a €691 million deal to procure 36 PULS multiple rocket launchers from Israel, a move officials describe as part of a broader strategy to anchor a long-term Israeli defense industry presence in the country.
The decision by the Government Council for National Security (KYSEA) marks a milestone in a course set by the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. That effort began in June 2020, when Mitsotakis agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Elbit Systems would develop the International Flight Training Center in Kalamata. The 20-year agreement provided the Hellenic Air Force with solutions for its aging trainer aircraft fleet.
The PULS acquisition includes domestic production, with Defense Minister Nikos Dendias citing a minimum 25% participation by the Greek defense industry.
The deal is linked to a wider plan to create multiple layers of air defense against aircraft, missiles, drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles. In later stages, Athens plans advanced talks with other major Israeli defense firms, including IAI and Rafael, to form the core of the “Achilles’ Shield,” a new multilayer air defense system.
Discussions include Spyder systems to replace OSA-AK and TOR-M1 platforms, Barak MX systems to replace Hawk batteries, and the David’s Sling interceptor in its Sky Capture version.
Officials cite competitive pricing, technology transfer and co-production opportunities as key factors.