Greece to build 'Achilles Shield' defence dome with Israeli arms

Greece on Thursday approved the multi-billion-dollar purchase of Israeli anti-missile, anti-aircraft and anti-drone weaponry to set up an "Achilles Shield" protective dome, a defence ministry source told AFP.

Around three billion euros of a broader 4.2 billion euro ($4.8 billion) spending spree will go towards Israeli-made systems for the new shield, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"Greece has entered a new era, a new reality," Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said on X, confirming the country's KYSEA foreign affairs and defence council had approved a series of major contracts.

Greece will also buy C-390 Millennium transport aircraft made by Brazil's Embraer, Heron drones from Israel, Apache helicopter missiles, British-made Victa stealth watercraft and frigate sonar systems, according to a ministry document seen by AFP.

The document said Greek defence firms would contribute 700 million euros to the dome project.

Israel's air-defence network, including the "Iron Dome" system designed to intercept short-range rockets and missiles, has been used heavily during the Middle East war.

Greece, a NATO member, has traditionally invested at least two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence because of decades of tensions with neighbouring Turkey.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis last year unveiled a 25-billion-euro military modernisation programme spanning 12 years. Greece is now one of only four European NATO members to spend at least three percent of GDP on its military.

The conservative premier, who faces elections by next spring, has called the project the "most drastic" defence overhaul in modern Greek history.

Greece has also sought to strengthen its position in the eastern Mediterranean, close to several Middle East conflict zones.

Athens has agreed to purchase four Belharra frigates and 24 Rafale fighter jets from France, and has also signed a deal to acquire 20 US-made F-35 fighters.

The defence ministry says the modernisation drive must incorporate lessons from the war in Ukraine and is aimed at preparing Greece's armed forces for the challenges of the 21st century.