TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel signed a multi-billion-dollar weapons deal with Greece, the largest between the two Mediterranean countries, as Israeli defense exports soar.Israel’s Defense Ministry said Monday the nearly 3 billion Euro ($3.5 billion) defense export deal, coined Achilles Shield, is one of the country’s largest and includes a multilayered air defense system for Greece using Israeli technology.“Israel and Greece share common strategic interests and face shared regional challenges. At a time when actors with hegemonic ambitions are seeking to expand their influence and undermine stability in the region,” said Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Israeli arms exports at record highsThe agreement comes as Israeli weapons exports have reached record highs with more than $19 billion last year, a 30% increase from 2024, according to official data, despite widespread criticism of Israel’s conduct in its wars in Gaza, with Hezbollah and with Iran.Experts say governments look to Israel because its weapons are battle-tested and they’re able to see in real time that the munitions and systems work.Israel and Greece have deepened defense ties in the last decade. Monday’s signing, however, marks the most significant deal between the two as Greece focuses on modernizing its armed forces to keep pace with its neighbor and fellow NATO member Turkey amid long-standing disputes over sea boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean. Previous deals have included a $1.65 billion agreement with Israeli defense contractor Elbit to build a flight training school in southern Greece as well as the planned sale of Israeli rocket launchers, anti‑tank guided missiles and drones.
