Greece launches “Shield of Achilles” defence system

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias announced that the Council of State has approved the government’s proposal for an integrated, multi‑layered protection architecture dubbed the “Shield of Achilles”. The programme, worth almost €4 billion and centred on Israeli technology, will create a unified anti‑air, anti‑missile and anti‑drone shield covering land, sea, air, cyber space and, eventually, space.

The system will comprise three protection levels – short‑range defence against drones, helicopters and low‑flying missiles, medium‑ and long‑range systems protecting wider areas, and a strategic layer employing electromagnetic weaponry and AI‑driven command‑and‑control. For the first time the Hellenic Armed Forces will field weapons with electromagnetic capabilities and will join a constellation of small satellites to enhance surveillance and data transmission.

At least 25 % of the €700 million+ procurement is earmarked for the Greek defence industry, with major production to take place in Greece, generating export potential and jobs. Dendias framed the project as a “new era” for the forces and as a step toward greater strategic autonomy amid regional tensions, particularly with Turkey.