Khaberni - Greece signed a contract with Israeli company "Elbit Systems" on Monday to purchase a missile system as part of its efforts to boost its air defenses, and to "deepen" cooperation with Israel over the recent years.
The General Directorate for Equipment and Investment of the Greek Ministry of Defense announced in a brief statement the signing of "an agreement between the two countries to purchase the PULS rocket artillery system" in Athens.
A knowledgeable Greek source stated that the deal's cost is approximately 690 million euros.
The contract includes launch platforms, ammunition and missiles, as well as periodic maintenance of the system, according to the same source.
Greek media reported that the contract will be implemented over 4 years followed by an additional 10 years during which the system will be maintained and supported.
Elbit Systems clarified that it is acting "as the principal in charge of execution and will supply PULS launch platforms with a full range of ammunition".
The Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz welcomed in a statement the "expansion of cooperation in defense and defense agreements" which he said reflects "the deepening of the strategic partnership in the security field between Israel and Greece".
Greece, a member of the European Union and NATO, announced at the end of 2024 a massive program to modernize its armed forces, including investments estimated at about 26 billion euros in this sector by the year 2036.
Among these investments are enhancements to the existing air defense systems and multi-tiered weapon systems with new weapons, drones, and radars replacing some of the older systems.
Greece aims to strengthen its role in the region by capitalizing on its strategic geopolitical position in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Greece allocates more than 3% of its Gross Domestic Product to defense.
