As Turkey rivalry heats up, Greece to acquire $4B Israeli air defense system
The Greek defense minister said that the air defense system will be operational within 35 months.
Greece’s top national security body on Thursday approved a planned multibillion-dollar procurement of an Israeli air defense system, as Athens accelerates its military modernization efforts amid tensions with Turkey.
What happened: Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias told reporters on Thursday that the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) gave its final approval of the procurement.
The procurement is valued at up to $4 billion and would advance Athens’ efforts to build the so-called Achilles Shield, a multilayered defense system designed to counter ballistic missiles, aircraft and drones.
"It will be ready and fully operational within 35 months, starting from today," said Dendias, putting its expected completion in 2029. He added that in accordance with Greek legislation, local companies will take part in the project and produce at least 25% of the system.
