Greek Government Invests Heavily to Upgrade Air Defense System
According to a report by Reference News on July 27, the U.S. Defense News Weekly website reported on July 23 that the Greek Defense Minister stated on the 23rd that the government has approved the procurement of a multi-layer air defense system from Israel worth up to 3.5 billion euros, along with various models of drones and the C-390 military transport aircraft from Embraer.
Greece plans to create a multi-layer missile defense, air defense, and anti-drone defense system named "Achilles' Shield," using radar and missiles from Israeli defense companies Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries as the core of the system.
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said, "The system will be completed and fully operational within 35 months starting today." Greek companies will produce at least 25% of the components for the system.
Greece currently uses the U.S. Patriot system and the outdated Russian S-300 system to protect its airspace. The country plans to invest approximately 28 billion euros in modernizing its armed forces by 2036, including the procurement of up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. and frigates from France and Italy.
Dendias stated that the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee also approved the procurement of 3 C-390 military transport aircraft, 10 British VICTA special operations underwater delivery vehicles, as well as U.S. V-BAT drones and Israeli Heron drones.
Due to a long-standing dispute with Turkey, Greece allocates nearly 3.5% of its GDP to defense spending, a higher percentage than many NATO member countries. (Translated by Cao Weiguo)
Greece approved a €3.5 billion procurement from Israel for a multi-layer air defense system on July 23, 2023. The system, named 'Achilles Shield', will enhance Greece's defense capabilities and includes various military equipment such as C-390 transport aircraft and drones. The Greek Armed Forces aim to modernize their military by investing approximately €28 billion by 2036.
- Greece approved a €3.5 billion procurement from Israel for a multi-layer air defense system.
- The system will include components from Israeli companies Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries.
- Greece plans to modernize its armed forces with an investment of approximately €28 billion by 2036.
- The procurement includes 3 C-390 military transport aircraft and 10 special operations underwater delivery vehicles.
- Greece allocates nearly 3.5% of its GDP to defense spending due to ongoing disputes with Turkey.