In a high-stakes meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Maximos Mansion, the Government Council for National Security (KYSEA) has moved forward with an extensive defense procurement package totaling €4.2 billion. The program aims to modernize the Hellenic Armed Forces against both conventional and emerging hybrid threats.
The 'Shield of Achilles' and the Israeli Dome
The centerpiece of this strategic overhaul is the 'Shield of Achilles,' a multi-layered anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense system with a budget of approximately €3 billion. This integrated system, of Israeli origin, is designed to create a comprehensive protective grid against aircraft, ballistic missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
A critical technical detail of the agreement is the transfer of the system's source code to Greece. This allows the Hellenic Armed Forces to maintain full operational control and the ability to autonomously manage and update the system, ensuring strategic independence.
Upgrades Across Air, Sea, and Technology
Beyond the missile dome, the procurement package includes significant assets for all branches of the military:
- Air Force: Acquisition of three C-390 Millennium transport aircraft (sourced from Portugal's order) and Heron 1 and V-BAT drones.
- Navy: Upgrading MEKO-type frigates with new anti-submarine systems and acquiring ten special operations underwater vehicles.
- Army: Procurement of laser-guided Hellfire missiles for Apache helicopters and advanced individual equipment, including night vision goggles for infantry.
The plan also emphasizes modern warfare capabilities, including electronic countermeasure systems to combat drone swarms and the development of a micro-satellite program tailored for military requirements.
