Greece’s Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) is meeting today, Thursday, July 23, to approve one of the country’s largest and most strategically significant defence procurement packages in decades.
With a total budget approaching or exceeding 5 billion euros, the package marks a major shift in Greece’s armed forces toward a new, network-centric model of defense. At the heart of the plan is the so-called “Achilles Shield,” a multi-layered national air defense and anti-ballistic protection system, alongside a series of key programs for the Hellenic Air Force, Navy, Army and Special Forces.
The cornerstone of the new defense strategy is the “Achilles Shield,” estimated to cost around 3 billion euros. The program aims to replace Greece’s fragmented and ageing air defence systems, with an integrated, multi-layered architecture.
The formal agreement is expected to be signed in Athens in early August, with officials from Israel’s SHIBAT and MAFAT organisations expected to visit Greece.
The system will include:
• Spyder (Rafael): Short- and medium-range air defence systems, with a range of 15 to 40 kilometres, to replace the OSA-AK and TOR-M1 systems.
• Barak MX (IAI): The backbone of the new architecture, featuring missiles with a range of 35 to 150 kilometres, replacing the HAWK systems. Greece’s domestically developed “Centaur” anti-drone system will also be integrated.
• David’s Sling: A long-range ballistic missile interception system intended to replace the S-300.
• EL/M-2084 MMR surveillance radars (ELTA): Advanced radar technology capable of tracking up to 1,200 targets at ranges of up to 475 kilometres.
• Network integration: Existing Patriot missile systems, the new FDI Belharra frigates and F-35 fighter jets will be integrated into the wider network.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Defense Minister Nikos Dendias have called for Greek industry to account for more than 25% of the program, with domestic participation expected to grow further. Greek companies will also contribute to the C2/C4I system and the production of missile canisters and ammunition.
Beyond air defence, KYSEA is expected to approve several key programs, including three C-390 Millennium strategic transport aircraft worth 600 million euros, with the first due in 2027. Greece will also acquire 20 V-BAT drones from US-based Shield AI for Aegean operations, while two Israeli Heron UAVs will be added for surveillance and potential strike missions.
The package also covers 10 VICTA hybrid surface and underwater vehicles worth 145 million euros, Hellfire missiles for Apache helicopters, upgrades to MEKO frigates’ anti-submarine capabilities, and a SAR microsatellite program with Poland. Together, the projects aim to modernise Greece’s defense forces and strengthen domestic industry.
