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Israel, Greece Sign $3.5 Billion Defense Deal for Air Shield

General27 sourcesSep 1, 2026
FlatRigor 5027 sources

The Story

Israel and Greece finalized a $3.5 billion defense deal on Monday, providing Greece with a multilayered antimissile system called "Achilles Shield." The agreement, signed at Tel Aviv's Ministry of Defense, is one of the largest defense export deals in Israel's history. Maj. Gen. Amir Baram, director-general of Israel's Defense Ministry, and Maj. Gen. Ioannis Bouras of Greece signed the agreement. The deal, valued at approximately 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion), will see Israel build a comprehensive, multi-layered air defense array in Greece, drawing entirely on Israeli-made systems. These systems include David's Sling and SPYDER, manufactured by Rafael, and BARAK MX, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries. An additional 26 million euro agreement was signed for the sale of Rafael's Drone Dome air defense systems to Greece. The deal also provides for expanded defense industrial cooperation, including the transfer of knowledge and technology to local industry. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the two countries share common strategic interests and face shared regional challenges. He added that Israel and Greece will continue to deepen their defense and strategic cooperation to preserve stability and safeguard shared interests. This agreement is a direct continuation of the Eastern Mediterranean alliance forged a decade ago with Greece and southern Cyprus. Greece's former Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis denounced the deal on social media, stating he was deeply ashamed that Greece's ruling class allowed the deal despite a sizeable majority of Greeks opposing the genocidal Apartheid state. His former party, Syriza, also denounced the government, stating the deal deepens Greece's defense/military dependence on the genocidal government of Israel, which violates international law. A survey released by Pew Research Center in June shows that only 30% of the Greek nation has a positive opinion of Israel after the start of a new round of Palestine-Israel conflict in 2025. Pro-Palestine demonstrations have occurred in Greece since 2025, calling for a cessation of cooperation with Israel.

The Spread

What they agree on

  • Israel and Greece signed a $3.5 billion defense deal on Monday to establish a multilayered air defense system for Greece.
  • The defense system is named "Achilles Shield" and will utilize Israeli-made systems such as David's Sling, SPYDER, and BARAK MX.
  • The agreement is described as one of the largest defense export deals in Israel's history and in Israeli-Greek relations.
  • Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the deal reinforces the Eastern Mediterranean alliance and strengthens regional alliances.
  • Greece's former Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis and his former party Syriza denounced the deal, citing public anger against Israel and concerns about deepening military dependence.

Where they split

  • Daily Sabah and Middle East Eye focus on the political controversy surrounding the deal in Greece, highlighting public anger against Israel and criticism from former Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis and the Syriza party.
  • The Forward provides the specific value of the deal in US dollars ($3.5 billion) and euros (3 billion euros), while other outlets primarily use one or the other.
  • Ukrinform and The Jerusalem Post list specific Israeli air defense systems included in the deal, such as David's Sling, SPYDER, and BARAK MX.
  • I24NEWS frames the deal in the context of Greece not expecting NATO support against Turkey, and strengthening ties with Israel as a result.

Source Perspectives

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