Greece to restart negotiations with Israel to purchase advanced air defense systems: Report
Talks had been suspended during Israel's 2-year military against Gaza to avoid political criticism, says daily Kathimerini
ATHENS
Greece will restart talks with Israel to purchase advanced air-defense systems as part of its plan to form an air protection network called Achilles’ Shield, local media reported on Tuesday.
The talks, which had been paused during Israel’s two-year military campaign against Gaza to avoid political criticism, aim to eventually replace outdated systems, daily Kathimerini noted.
The Israeli Spyder system would replace Russian-made short-range OSA-AK and TOR-M1 systems, which have faced long-standing maintenance and parts shortages.
Similarly, the Barak MX system is expected to replace the medium-range US-Hawk units.
The Daily said the country also wants to acquire the SkyCeptor version of Israel’s David’s Sling system to replace long-range Russian-made S-300 systems.
The initial cost of the plan is forecast to be around €3 billion ($3.47 billion), enough to cover Western Thrace and the eastern Aegean islands, according to the daily.
