Greece and Israel signed an agreement in Tel Aviv on Monday morning for the “Achilles Shield”, a new multi-layered air and missile defence system for Greece.
The €3 billion intergovernmental agreement marks the official launch of the country’s largest defence procurement programme in the field of air defence.
The architecture of the Achilles Shield is based on four Israeli technology systems.
Four-layer defence system
David’s Sling: Alongside the Patriot systems, David’s Sling will form the long-range element of Greece’s air defence, with an effective range reaching or exceeding 150 kilometres.
Barak MX: The flexible system, which is also used by Cyprus, has a range of between 35 and 150 kilometres, depending on the type of interceptor selected automatically by its battle management computer.
Spyder: Combined with upgraded Hawk missiles, Spyder will provide short-range and point defence at distances of up to 50 kilometres.
ELM-2084 radar: The advanced AESA electronically scanned radar will guide the systems and be directly connected to the central surveillance network.
Operational within 35 months
According to Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, the Achilles Shield is scheduled to become fully operational within 35 months.
Deliveries will take place gradually, with the individual layers of the system being brought into operation sequentially.
The contracts were signed at a special ceremony organised by Greece’s General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA), headed by Lieutenant General Ioannis Bouras.
On the Israeli side, the agreements were signed by the Directorate of International Defence Cooperation (SIBAT) and MAFAT, the Israeli body responsible for defence technology research and development and the counterpart to Greece’s ELKAK.
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