Israel and Greece Forge Historic Arms Deal Amid Rising Defence Exports
Major Defence Agreement Signed
Tel Aviv: Israel has finalized a significant arms deal with Greece, marking the largest agreement between the two nations to date, as the country’s defence exports continue to rise.
The Israeli Defence Ministry announced on Monday that the deal, valued at nearly 3 billion Euros (approximately USD 3.5 billion) and named Achilles Shield, is among the largest in Israel's history. It features a comprehensive air defence system for Greece, utilizing advanced Israeli technology.
Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized the shared strategic interests and regional challenges faced by both nations, stating, "As entities with hegemonic ambitions attempt to extend their influence and disrupt stability in the region, our collaboration is crucial."
Record Highs in Israeli Arms Exports
This agreement comes at a time when Israeli arms exports have reached unprecedented levels, exceeding USD 19 billion last year, reflecting a 30% increase from 2024, according to official statistics. This surge occurs despite ongoing criticism regarding Israel's military actions in Gaza, its conflicts with Hezbollah, and tensions with Iran.
Experts suggest that many governments are drawn to Israeli arms due to their proven effectiveness in real combat situations.
Over the past decade, Israel and Greece have strengthened their defence relationship. However, this latest signing represents a pivotal moment as Greece aims to modernize its military capabilities in response to its NATO ally Turkiye, amid ongoing maritime disputes in the eastern Mediterranean.
Modernizing Defence Strategies
Previous agreements between the two nations have included a USD 1.65 billion contract with an Israeli defence firm to establish a flight training facility in southern Greece, along with plans to sell Israeli rocket launchers, anti-tank guided missiles, and drones.
Israel's latest agreement is notable as it marks the first instance where it will supply a comprehensive suite of defence systems to counter various threats, including ballistic missiles and drones. This includes multiple Israeli technologies such as David's Sling and SPYDER, along with a new national command and control system. Additionally, a supplementary deal worth USD 30 million (26 million Euros) was signed for Rafael's Drone Dome systems.
Greece's Defence Minister Nikos Dendias remarked, "Modern conflicts have transformed the landscape of military defence and deterrence. The emergence of technology, ballistic missiles, satellite communications, unmanned systems, cyber threats, and hybrid warfare has rendered previous defence doctrines obsolete."
Israel's Growing Global Arms Presence
More than half of Israel's arms industry sales are attributed to missiles, rockets, and air defence systems.
For the first time, Israel has overtaken the United Kingdom in global arms exports, positioning itself as the seventh-largest supplier worldwide, as reported by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute in March.