Greece and Israel to launch $3.6 billion ‘Achilles Shield’ air-defense project

Greece and Israel are expected to sign a series of agreements in Tel Aviv on Monday formally launching the $3.6 billion Achilles Shield, an integrated network designed to protect Greek territory from missiles, drones and other airborne threats.

The program is a central part of Greece’s military modernization plans. Approved by the country’s Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense on July 23, the system is expected to enter service in stages over approximately 35 months.

Recent negotiations focused on securing a role for Greece’s domestic defense industry and ensuring that Athens retains control over the network’s software. Greek companies are guaranteed at least 25% of the project, while the agreements are also expected to include the transfer of source codes for its various components.

Twelve Greek companies are set to participate, receiving contracts worth a combined total of more than $811 million.

Achilles Shield will connect Greece’s existing air-defense capabilities with several Israeli-made systems. The planned network includes Patriot batteries, Rafael’s short-range SPYDER system, Israel Aerospace Industries’ medium-range Barak MX and David’s Sling, which is designed to intercept ballistic missiles and other long-range threats.

Rather than operating separately, the systems will share information and respond to attacks through a unified command network.

Artificial intelligence-powered software will analyze information from multiple sensors, classify incoming threats and recommend the most appropriate interception method.

The layered structure is also intended to reduce costs. Instead of deploying an expensive interceptor or fighter aircraft against a low-cost drone, commanders would be able to select a cheaper weapon better suited to the specific threat.

Athens hopes the network will strengthen its defenses while allowing it to respond more quickly and economically to increasingly varied aerial attacks.