{"id":5787,"date":"2026-05-16T09:57:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-16T06:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.tomanifesto.gr\/?p=5787"},"modified":"2026-05-16T09:57:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-16T06:57:00","slug":"who-are-dueling-for-the-achilles-shield-the-giants-claiming-the-3-billion-arms-project-video","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.tomanifesto.gr\/?p=5787","title":{"rendered":"Who are “dueling” for the “Achilles’ Shield” – The giants claiming the 3 billion arms project (video)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Perhaps the largest defense project launched in Greece in recent years, the “Achilles’ Shield”<\/strong>, is evolving into a field of fierce business competition, with major foreign and Greek companies claiming a key role. <\/p>\n

The project in question, which is expected to move close to 3 billion euros<\/strong>, is considered strategically important not only for the armouring of the country<\/b> against modern threats but also for the revival of the Greek defence industry<\/b> through co-productions, investments and transfer of know-how. <\/p>\n

The “Achilles’ Shield”<\/strong>is designed as an integrated and multi-layered defence grid, which will combine anti-aircraft<\/strong>, anti-ballistic<\/strong> and anti-drone systems<\/strong>, along with advanced radars, sensors and command and control centres. The main goal is to create a shield of protection against ballistic missiles<\/strong>, drones<\/strong>, UAVs<\/strong>, drones<\/strong>, aircraft and all forms of asymmetric threats, with top priority given to Thrace<\/strong> and the Eastern Aegean<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

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Israeli giants have the lead <\/h2>\n

According to market reports, the greatest interest of foreign defence groups is focused on four main pillars<\/b> including long-range systems, medium-range solutions, anti-drone systems<\/strong> and interconnect and command and control infrastructure. <\/p>\n

Israeli companies are at the forefront of the claims, as the philosophy of the Greek “Achilles’ Shield”<\/strong>is very reminiscent of the corresponding integrated air defence systems already in use in Israel. <\/p>\n

The Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)<\/strong> is heavily promoting the Barak MX<\/strong> system, an integrated multi-distance, integrated anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic system, which has the capability to counter aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic threats. Market sources say that this system is considered one of the favourites to become the main pillar of the new Greek air defence architecture. <\/p>\n

At the same time, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems<\/strong> is seeking to secure a significant share of the project through its David’s Sling<\/strong> and Spyder<\/strong> systems. The former is primarily for intercepting advanced medium- and long-range missile threats, while the latter is used for protecting smaller areas and countering UAVs and airborne targets. <\/p>\n

The Israeli lead is also reinforced by the close defence cooperation that Greece and Israel have developed in recent years, both in the field of training and in terms of technology and equipment programmes. <\/p>\n

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Greek industry calls for a strong role<\/h2>\n

Interest, however, is not limited to the international defence giants. The Greek side is seeking to ensure substantial participation of the domestic defence industry so that a significant part of the added value remains in Greece. <\/p>\n

Note that the Ministry of National Defense is pushing for co-productions<\/strong>, participation of Greek factories and the awarding of maintenance and technical support projects to Greek companies. <\/p>\n

The plan envisages that at least 25% of the project<\/strong> will be directed to Greek industry through the development of subsystems and co-productions, while particular emphasis is expected to be placed on modern technologies and innovative systems already being developed by ELKAK<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

Among the Greek companies that appear to be vying for participation are Intracom Defense<\/strong>, with significant expertise in electronics and communications systems, THEON International<\/strong> in optronics and surveillance systems, and METLEN Energy & Metals<\/strong>, which is seeking to strengthen its position in the European defence value chain. <\/p>\n

Hellenic Defence Systems<\/strong> and EAB<\/strong> are also moving in the same direction, mainly in terms of project completion, technical support and maintenance. Companies such as Miltech<\/strong> are also reported to have expressed interest, Scytalys<\/strong>, Akmon<\/strong> and Salamis Shipyards<\/strong>, while the participation of groups such as GEK TERNA<\/strong> and AKTOR<\/strong> in support and construction work is also under consideration. <\/p>\n

Of particular interest is the stance of ELVO<\/strong>, which has already made a public statement in favour of its participation in the programme, pointing out that it has expertise in military vehicles, special platforms and integrated defence systems. The company appears to be targeting mainly the mobile launchers, command vehicles and technical support. <\/p>\n

At the same time, market sources say that Greek software, telecommunications and defence applications companies are also considering interest, and want to participate in the development of combat management software, sensor interconnection and integration of individual subsystems. <\/p>\n

\"oplika-systhmata-skkW9.jpg\"<\/figure>\n

“Shield of Achilles”: The timetable and background of the negotiations<\/h2>\n

Based on the planning so far, the “Achilles’ Shield”<\/strong> will be implemented in stages by the end of the decade. The first and most critical phase involves the deployment of basic air defense and anti-ballistic protection systems in strategic areas of the country. <\/p>\n

In the second year, additional anti-drone protection<\/strong> capabilities will be deployed, more sensors will be integrated and operational coverage will be expanded. <\/p>\n

The latest reports indicate that the program was expected to be introduced for final approval at the KYSEA<\/strong> in 2026, so that final contract negotiations with prospective contractors could begin. <\/p>\n

At the same time, technical and legal teams of the interested companies are already in open communication with the Greek side to formulate the final cooperation model. <\/p>\n

Based on the current timetable, binding offers and key agreements are expected to be completed in 2026 or early 2027. Provided there are no delays, delivery of the first systems could start in 2027 and progressively build up to the end of the decade. <\/p>\n

The prevailing view in the market is that the “Achilles’ Shield”<\/strong>will be one of the most important growth drivers for the Greek defence industry in the coming years, as beyond direct contracts it is expected to create a wider ecosystem of technology, support and industrial cooperation. <\/p>\n

At the same time, the project is directly linked to the overall strategy of the European Union<\/strong> to strengthen Europe’s defence autonomy and increase the production capacity of member states in the defence sector. <\/p>\n

.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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