Greece has approved the purchase from Israel of a multi-layered air defense system worth up to 3.5 billion euros ($4 billion), several types of drones, and an Embraer C-390 military transport aircraft, the country's Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said on Thursday, UNN reports citing Reuters.
Details
The country's National Security Council (KYSEA) gave preliminary approval earlier this year and approved the procurement contracts on Thursday, Dendias said.
Greece wants to create a multi-layered anti-ballistic, anti-aircraft, and anti-drone defense system called the "Achilles Shield," the core of which will be Israeli radars and missiles from defense companies Rafael and IAI.
"The system will be ready and fully operational within 35 months from today," Dendias said, adding that Greek companies will produce at least 25% of the system.
Greece, which currently uses American Patriot systems and outdated Russian S-300s to protect its airspace, plans to spend about 28 billion euros by 2036 to modernize its armed forces.
This includes the purchase of up to 40 new F-35 fighters from the United States and frigates from France and Italy.
Dendias also reported that KYSEA approved the purchase of three C-390 military transport aircraft, 10 British VICTA mini-submarines for special operations, American V-BAT unmanned aerial vehicles, and Heron drones from Israel.
Greece spends nearly 3.5% of its gross domestic product on defense, which is higher than many NATO countries due to a long-standing dispute with Turkey, the publication notes.
Having strong economic and diplomatic ties, Greece and Israel operate a pilot training center on Greek territory, conduct annual joint military exercises, and cooperate in the field of anti-drone systems and cybersecurity.
Last year, Athens purchased 36 Israeli rocket artillery systems for approximately 650 million euros.
Erdogan stated that Trump has a positive attitude towards the sale of F-35s to Turkey08.07.26, 21:03