Greece to sign $3.5 billion deal with Israel for air defence system

Greece is expected to sign on Monday a roughly €3 billion ($3.5 billion) deal with Israel for a multi-layer air defence system, two security sources told Reuters. The Greek security council has given initial approval, covering advanced short-, medium- and long-range missile and radar components. Officials said agreements would be signed in Tel Aviv with Israel’s SIBAT and MAFAT directorates for three missile and radar types, plus a separate anti-drone system. Athens plans to fund its “Achilles Shield” programme with about €28 billion by 2036, including purchases of up to 40 U.S. F-35s and frigates from France and Italy. Greece already operates Patriot, S-300 and short-range defenses.