RismadarVoice Reporters, August 31, 2026
Greece has signed a $3.5 billion defence agreement with Israel to establish its first integrated multi-layered air defence network, with the system expected to become operational by 2029.
The agreement, negotiated over three years, is one of the largest defence deals in Israel’s history, according to the Israeli Defence Ministry.
Under the deal, Israeli defence companies will provide Greece with a network combining three advanced air defence systems: the SPYDER system produced by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, the BARAK MX system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, and David’s Sling missile defence technology.
The systems are designed to protect against a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, drones and ballistic missiles.
Greece’s Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said modern conflicts had changed traditional approaches to military defence, citing the growing importance of technologies such as ballistic missiles, satellite communications, unmanned systems, cyber threats and hybrid warfare.
Advertisement
The agreement comes as Israel’s defence exports continue to expand, with official figures showing weapons sales reached record levels last year.
RismadarVoice reported that the air defence network would help Greece strengthen its ability to respond to emerging security challenges, particularly following lessons from the war in Ukraine and growing regional tensions.
Greece has become the second European Union member state to acquire the David’s Sling system after Finland.
Separately, Greece also signed a $30 million agreement with Israel for Rafael’s Drone Dome system, which is designed to protect strategic sites from unmanned aerial vehicle threats.
The defence cooperation comes amid Greece’s continued efforts to modernise its military capabilities. The country spends nearly 3.5 per cent of its gross domestic product on defence, one of the highest levels among NATO members, partly due to its long-running dispute with neighbouring Türkiye.
