Why has Greece signed a $3.5bn missile deal with Israel?
Summary
Greece has signed a $3.5 billion deal with Israel to buy a multi-layered air defence system called Achilles Shield. This is the largest military agreement between the two countries and aims to strengthen Greece’s defence amid rising tensions with its neighbor Turkiye and regional security concerns.Key Facts
- The deal was signed in Tel Aviv and is worth $3.5 billion.
- Achilles Shield includes three main systems: David’s Sling, Spyder, and Barak MX missile defence systems.
- David’s Sling intercepts medium-to-long-range missiles; Spyder targets low-flying aircraft and drones; Barak MX covers a wide range of aerial threats.
- The system also features advanced radars and an AI-enabled command center.
- Greece plans to have the system fully operational within 35 months.
- This deal is part of Greece’s broader plan to modernize its military by 2030, with a total planned spending of about 28 billion euros until 2036.
- Greece is also buying up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the US and frigates from France and Italy.
- The purchase reflects Greece’s concern about possible threats from Iran and the US-Israel conflict, especially since Greece hosts American naval bases.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
