Israeli Air Defense, C-390 Aircraft And V-BAT Drones: Greece Approves €3.5 Billion Defense Procurement Package

The Greek government has approved a €3.5 billion defense procurement package as part of a long-term program to modernize the country’s armed forces. Through this decision, Greece will acquire an Israeli air and missile defense system.

According to Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, a key element of the package will be the creation of the Achilles Shield multilayered air and missile defense system to protect against ballistic missiles and drones, Ekathimerini reported.

The system will be based on Israeli radars and interceptors, while Greece’s defense industry will contribute around €700 million to its implementation.

The government also approved the purchase of Heron 1 unmanned aircraft systems, 10 V-BAT Class II drones, and SAR satellites.

For the Hellenic Navy and special operations forces, Greece will acquire countermeasures against uncrewed surface vessels and 10 special underwater vehicles. The package also includes funding to modernize four Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigates with advanced anti-submarine warfare systems.

The air component will be strengthened with three Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft under an intergovernmental agreement with Portugal. The package also includes the purchase of AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles for AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and night vision equipment for infantry units.

In addition to equipment purchases, funding will be allocated to train Greek officers in the United States in autonomous systems and artificial intelligence. The second phase of the defense program for 2027–2037, which will include the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets and new frigates, will be presented in September.

Earlier this year, the Greek Parliament’s Armaments Committee approved the procurements.