Greece’s €3.1 billion agreement to acquire air defense technology from Israel has come under scrutiny because of its economic and political consequences. The agreement provides for the procurement of the medium- and long-range David’s Sling system.
The assessment argues that the agreement could not be concluded without U.S. approval. It cites Washington’s authority over the transfer of intellectual property in the technology to third parties as the reason.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias described the agreement as a development that would carry the country into “a new reality.” The assessment also states that states have the right to defend themselves against potential attacks and that protection against missiles, fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles is important.
The agreement under the Achilles Shield project
The agreement with Israel was described as part of the Achilles Shield air defense project, which was launched earlier. The project’s total budget is €4.2 billion, and a significant portion of that funding will be transferred to Israel under the new agreement.
Finland is expected to begin using the David’s Sling system in 2027. The assessment argues that if other NATO members turn to Israeli-made air defense technologies after Greece and Finland, this could help Israel present itself as a partner that provides peace.
The assessment argues that NATO members’ acquisition of defense technology from Israel is politically and legally controversial while proceedings before the International Court of Justice continue. It adds that other countries also produce air defense systems and says NATO members should reconsider such agreements.
Regional and political criticism
According to the assessment, Israel’s inclusion of Greece in the Achilles Shield project could have regional and political consequences. It claims that the defense agreement, reached while serious international accusations over Israel’s actions in Palestine continue, may be intended to divert public attention elsewhere.
It also argues that Israel has increased regional instability through its actions toward Lebanon. In this context, the agreement is presented as part of a policy that could deepen differences among European and NATO countries.
Debate over the economic share
It is argued that only 25% of the €3.1 billion investment will return to the Greek economy through the participation of Greek companies in production. For this reason, the agreement is described as not being a fully mutually beneficial model for Greece.
The assessment argues that Greece could be better served by focusing on creating jobs at home rather than on disputed perceptions of threats. It also says that the agreement signed last year to purchase 36 Israeli-made rocket artillery systems for $740 million should be evaluated together with the new defense partnership.
The final section argues that Israel may be seeking to influence public perceptions of Türkiye by exporting technology to Greece. No independent verification or official statement was cited in support of this assessment.
