On Greece-Israel relations: From Achilles to Ayil

Greece’s “Achilles Shield” began as a symbol of strategic independence, but a new defense agreement with Israel could turn that symbolism on its head, the article argues. The title invokes the Greek hero Achilles, then contrasts him with “Ayil,” the Hebrew term for the ram sacrificed in place of Abraham’s son.

The shift followed an Aug. 31 defense agreement that would transfer major Israeli systems to Athens. The package includes the 300-kilometer David’s Sling air defense system, the 150-kilometer BARAK MX missile platform, mid-range Spyder surface-to-air missiles, MMR radar systems and a drone defense architecture. The weapons package is valued at about $3 billion and is scheduled for delivery over 35 months.

Greek military planners likely see David’s Sling as a way to double the engagement range of existing Patriot systems. The article says that could allow Greece to intercept Turkish aircraft before they reach the Aegean Sea or Western Thrace. BARAK MX can operate from naval and ground platforms and would presumably supplement or replace Greece’s aging Russian-supplied S-300 and Tor-M1 systems.

The Spyder missiles, which can engage targets up to 70 kilometers away, and the drone defenses appear aimed particularly at Turkish unmanned systems. MMR radar would provide surveillance for those operations. Yet the article questions whether the procurement can meet a sustained or coordinated threat. It points to Iranian missiles penetrating Israeli airspace despite Israel’s existing defenses, some of which Greece is now acquiring, and asks whether the deal resolves Greece’s security dilemma.