Greece on Thursday approved the multibillion-dollar purchase of Israeli anti-missile, anti-aircraft and anti-drone weaponry to set up an “Achilles Shield” protective dome, a defence ministry source said.
Around €3 billion of a broader €4.2 billion (US$4.8 billion) spending spree will go towards Israeli-made systems for the new shield, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“Greece has entered a new era, a new reality,” Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said on social media, confirming the country’s KYSEA foreign affairs and defence council had approved a series of major contracts.
Greece will also buy C-390 Millennium transport aircraft made by Brazil’s Embraer, Heron drones from Israel, Apache helicopter missiles, British-made Victa stealth watercraft and frigate sonar systems, according to a ministry document seen by Agence France-Presse.
The document said Greek defence firms would contribute €700 million to the dome project.
Israel’s air-defence network, including the “Iron Dome” system designed to intercept short-range rockets and missiles, has been used heavily during the Middle East war.