Greek defense officials will sign final agreements in Tel Aviv on Monday to build an air defense dome called the Shield of Achilles.
The signing between Greece's General Directorate for Defense Investments and Armaments and Israeli defense directorate SIBAT launches a 3.1 billion euro procurement program on August 31, 2026.
The agreement initiates a 35-month timeline to complete the integrated air defense and anti-ballistic umbrella. It guarantees a 25 percent Greek industrial participation rate and transfers full software source code to the Greek Armed Forces.
The General Directorate for Defense Investments and Armaments, known as GDAEE, manages military procurement for the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence. SIBAT serves as the International Defense Cooperation Directorate of the Israel Ministry of Defense, overseeing foreign defense sales and state contracts.
Domestic Industry and Source Code Transfer
According to Greek newspaper Kathimerini, final negotiations focused on securing substantial operational control of electronic subsystems for Greece. Domestic defense and technology companies will receive work exceeding 700 million euros under the 25 percent participation clause.
Transferring software source code to the Greek Armed Forces guarantees independent operation. Military authorities will manage, maintain, and upgrade the electronic air defense subsystems directly without relying on foreign contractor approval.
Around 12 Greek companies are expected to participate in the program. Named domestic partners include Metlen, Scytalys, Hellenic Defence Systems, Public Power Corporation, Hellenic Aerospace Industry, Prisma, Ionics, UniSystems, and Sthenos.
State-owned Hellenic Aerospace Industry and Hellenic Defence Systems bring manufacturing capacity, while Metlen Energy and Metals and Public Power Corporation provide industrial infrastructure alongside specialized technology firms.
Multilayered Grid and Israeli Air Defense Systems
The Shield of Achilles creates a single, multi-layered protection grid over Greek territory. It connects existing Greek capabilities, including US-made Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems and domestic unmanned countermeasures, with specialized Israeli air defense technologies.
The architecture incorporates three Israeli systems covering different operational ranges. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems provides the Spyder short and medium-range system to counter enemy aircraft, helicopters, and guided munitions.
Israel Aerospace Industries supplies two additional components. The Barak MX provides a flexible multi-range anti-aircraft and anti-missile system covering short, medium, and long distances. Long-range defense relies on David's Sling, which intercepts long-range missiles, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats.
The Hellenic Air Force currently operates MIM-104 Patriot batteries for high-altitude defense. Israeli state contractors Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries developed these interceptor systems to counter complex aerial warfare threats.
Artificial Intelligence and Counter-Drone Protection
Artificial intelligence forms a central element of the command software. The central AI system analyzes real-time data from all connected radars and sensors, automatically recommending the most suitable interception method for incoming threats.
The system places specific emphasis on countering drones and unmanned aerial vehicles. Engaging low-cost drones with fighter aircraft or expensive missiles creates a disproportionately high economic cost for national defense.
Under the new structure, the Greek Armed Forces will deploy specialized, lower-cost neutralization tools against drone attacks. Defense planners aim to establish a sustainable, modern, and impenetrable air defense umbrella across Greek territory once the 35-month deployment timeline concludes.
