Israel and Greece sign €3bn air defence deal

Israel’s Ministry of Defence says the country has signed a €3 billion arms export deal with Greece under which a multi-layered air defence system will be built for the country.

According to The Times of Israel, the system is to be designed on the basis of Israeli-made equipment and the country’s operational experience. Israeli officials said the system is intended to counter a wide range of threats, including ballistic missiles and drones.

Israel’s Ministry of Defence claimed this is the first time the country has offered a complete defence package to another state. At the same time, a separate €26 million deal was also signed for the sale of Rafael’s ‘Drone Dome’ systems.

According to Israeli officials, these agreements are part of an expansion of industrial defence cooperation with Greece and also include the transfer of knowledge and technology to the country’s local industry. Greece holds a strategic position in southeastern Europe, and its military cooperation with Israel has expanded in recent years.