In 2026, the Defense Ministry and the leadership of the Armed Forces are expected to take key steps in establishing the country’s multi-layered air defense program, known as the “Achilles Shield.”
The program aims to protect Greece against drones, missile attacks, loitering munitions, and other threats. The Army will operate the majority of the new systems.
By mid-2026, contracts are expected to be signed for the procurement of 36 PULS Multiple Launch Rocket Systems from Israel, significantly enhancing the Army’s missile artillery capabilities.
The version to be acquired by Greece will include a full range of munitions, providing strike capabilities at distances exceeding 300 kilometers.
Even though the Achilles Shield’s core air-defense and anti-ballistic systems are not expected to arrive until after the end of the decade, key decisions on system selection are set to be made in 2026.
In recent months, the General Staffs have submitted their recommendations to the political leadership on which systems best meet the Army’s operational requirements, drawing on lessons learned from recent conflicts.
The core of the Achilles Shield is expected to consist of Israeli-origin air-defense and anti-ballistic systems: Spyder, Barak MX, and David’s Sling, providing short, medium, and long-range coverage respectively.
The total cost of procuring these three systems is expected to exceed €3 billion, with the negotiation process likely to last more than a year.
In discussions with Israel, Athens has set the participation of the Greek defense industry at a minimum of 25% as a key prerequisite, a condition that the Israeli side appears willing to accept.