Greece Set to Approve Major Israeli Air-Defense Package

Greece's Government Council for National Security is expected to give final approval Thursday to the next phase of the Achilles' Shield program, clearing the way for contracts with Israeli defense companies. The package is set to include Rafael's David's Sling and SPYDER systems and Israel Aerospace Industries' Barak MX, covering ballistic missiles, aircraft and drones. Reports place the procurement at about €3 billion to €3.5 billion. An Israeli defense delegation is expected in Athens to advance government-to-government agreements after approval, deepening security cooperation between the two countries.