The Government Council for National Security is expected on Thursday to give final approval for the next key step in Greece’s Achilles’ Shield air defense program, clearing the way for contract signings covering Israeli-made anti-aircraft, anti-ballistic and counter-drone systems.

The program includes Rafael’s Spyder systems, intended to replace the  OSA-AK and TOR M1 platforms. Greece also plans to acquire IAI’s Barak MX systems, which are expected over time to complement Hawk air-defense batteries.

A third component, focused on ballistic missile defense, will be a version of IAI’s David’s Sling, possibly the SkyCeptor variant.

The systems will be linked through a Command and Control (C2) network using software designed to identify, classify and select the most suitable interception option through artificial intelligence applications.

The software will remain under Greek ownership and will not be subject to Israeli intervention. Discussions over this issue were among the reasons for delays in concluding negotiations.

The total cost of the Achilles’ Shield program is estimated at €3.5 billion.

Greek companies are expected to participate in 25% of the project.

The council is also set to finalize several other procurement programs, including the acquisition of three Embraer C-390 jet transport aircraft through Portugal.

The program, estimated at about €600 million including support, marks the Hellenic Air Force’s first move away from reliance on turboprop transport aircraft such as the C-130 and C-27.

The council is also expected to approve military microsatellites under a cooperation program with Poland, VICTA special forces vessels, an additional Israeli HERON-1 unmanned aircraft for Aegean surveillance missions, and Hellfire missiles for Army Aviation Apache helicopters.

Source: Ekathimerini.com