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Reuters: Greece to buy €3.5 billion air defence system from Israel

In-Cyprus · 2026-07-23

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Greece's security council is set to approve a €3.5 billion air defence system purchase from Israel, including drones, as part of its military modernization efforts. • Why it matters: This acquisition is part of Greece's strategy to enhance its defense capabilities amid ongoing tensions with Turkey, reflecting its commitment to military spending and regional security partnerships. • What to watch next: Monitor the final approval from KYSEA and subsequent developments in Greece's military procurement plans, including potential purchases of F-35 fighter jets and further cooperation with Israel.

World GreeceIsraelTop News Reuters: Greece to buy €3.5 billion air defence system from Israel A View Of An Iron Dome Anti Missile Battery, Near Ashkelon Relevant News Israelis fear Saudi nuclear deal could ignite Mideast arms race 23 July 2026 Heavy rain and flooding kills 82 across India, Pakistan and Afghanistan 23 July 2026 Reuters: Greece to buy €3.5 billion air defence system from Israel 23 July 2026 newsroom 23 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Greece’s security council, KYSEA, is expected to give its final approval on Thursday for the purchase of a multi-layer air defence system from Israel, worth up to €3.5 billion ($4 billion), and several types of drones, two sources told Reuters. KYSEA gave its initial approval earlier this year and is expected to approve the procurement contracts, an official with knowledge of the deal told Reuters. Greece wants to build a multi-layer anti-ballistic, anti-aircraft and anti-drone system, called “Achilles Shield”. Israeli radars and missiles from Rafael and IAI will form the core of the system. The Greek government has said it plans to spend about €28 billion by 2036 to modernize its armed forces, including buying up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. and frigates from France and Italy. Greece spends nearly 3.5% of gross domestic product on defence, a higher proportion than many fellow NATO countries, due to its long-standing dispute with Turkey. With strong economic and diplomatic ties, Greece and Israel operate an air training centre on Greek territory, hold joint military annual drills and cooperate on anti-drone systems and cybersecurity. Greece last year approved the purchase of 36 Israeli-made rocket artillery systems for about €650 million. “KYSEA will also approve the purchase of drones from U.S. and Israel,” said the official. A second official confirmed the information on the defence system from Israel and the purchase of drones. Greece currently uses U.S. Patriot and old Russian S-300 systems to protect its airspace. (Reuters) Read more: Cyprus to acquire three Israeli weapons systems as Christodoulides and Netanyahu cement defence pact Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Israelis fear Saudi nuclear deal could ignite Mideast arms race Heavy rain and flooding kills 82 across India, Pakistan and Afghanistan On this day: Lance Armstrong won Tour de France for a record seventh time in 2005 Testimony leads to arrest over Paphos truck arson Driver injured in Nicosia collision with truck Midday work stoppage ordered during Cyprus heatwave Paphos cable theft: two arrested, 150kg of EAC wire seized Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.

Source: In-Cyprus
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