Greece is moving decisively to strengthen its military deterrence, following parliamentary approval for the acquisition of the Israeli-made PULS multiple rocket launcher system, a key component of the country’s planned multi-layered air and missile defence architecture known as the “Achilles Shield”.
The Special Standing Committee on Armaments Programs of the Hellenic Parliament has given the green light to five major defence procurements, with the PULS system standing out as one of the most strategically significant. The agreement, valued at €692 million, was reached after months of negotiations with Israel’s Elbit Systems and has also been endorsed by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA).
Under the deal, Greece will acquire 36 PULS launcher vehicles, six fire direction centres at battery level, two at battalion level, and dozens of support and ammunition transport vehicles. The package includes a wide range of munitions, from short-range Accular rockets to Predator Hawk missiles with a strike range of up to 300 kilometres, as well as SkyStriker loitering munitions.
Defence officials say the system will significantly enhance Greece’s ability to conduct precision strikes at depth, reinforcing deterrence along the northeastern land border and across the Aegean islands. The PULS system’s accuracy, mobility and range are expected to play a central role in protecting Greek sovereign interests in sensitive border regions.
The procurement is being conducted through an intergovernmental agreement with Israel, reflecting Athens’ desire not only to acquire advanced weaponry but also to secure technology transfer and expand cooperation in defence research and development.
At the same time, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias is seeking to broaden Greece’s strategic partnerships, with particular emphasis on closer ties with the United Arab Emirates. Recent high-level contacts, including Dendias’ participation in the Sir Bani Yas Forum, have highlighted growing interest in joint defence initiatives and industrial collaboration.
These developments come as Greece continues to modernise its armed forces. This week, the Hellenic Navy officially raised the Greek flag on its first Belharra-class frigate, FDI “Kimon”, in a ceremony held in Lorient, France. The vessel is expected to arrive in Greece in early 2026, marking a new era for the country’s naval capabilities.
Together, the PULS acquisition, the Achilles Shield initiative, and expanding partnerships with Israel and the UAE underscore Greece’s determination to build a comprehensive and credible deterrence framework in an increasingly volatile regional environment.
