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Greece has approved 11 defense procurement programs worth a combined €4.2 billion ($4.8 billion), moving ahead with a sweeping military modernization package led by a €3.1 billion Israeli-developed integrated air defense network known as Achilles' Shield.
The package was cleared by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA), Greek daily Ekathimerini reported Friday. The Achilles' Shield system is expected to be delivered within 35 months after the contract is signed.
Achilles' Shield is designed to provide anti-aircraft, anti-ballistic and counter-drone protection by bringing together several Israeli-made systems under a single network.
The shield will combine Israel's Spyder (All In One), Barak MX and David's Sling air defense systems. Existing non-kinetic counter-drone systems already deployed on islands in the eastern Aegean will also be upgraded as part of the project.
Twelve Greek companies will take part in the program after negotiations secured more than €700 million in domestic industrial work, equal to 25% of the project's total value.
Beyond the air defense project, the approved package includes about €600 million for three Embraer C-390 military transport aircraft through an interstate agreement with Portugal.
It also covers €145 million for 10 VICTA special operations vessels, €100 million for Hellfire missile stocks and €70 million for 10 additional V-BAT unmanned aerial systems.
Other acquisitions signed off by the government include HERON-1 drones, synthetic aperture radar micro-satellites, night-vision equipment for the army and four sonar systems for the navy's MEKO-class frigates.
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