Israel, Greece finalize NIS 2.3 billion purchase of Israeli artillery system

The Israeli and Greek defense ministries hold a signing ceremony in Athens for an agreement that will see Israel supply PULS precision rocket artillery systems to the Greek Army, Israel’s Defense Ministry says.

The deal is worth approximately NIS 2.3 billion (about $757.84 million).

The ministry says the deal is part of a strategy “to expand Israeli defense exports as a key tool for strengthening the IDF’s force buildup, advancing policy goals, and supporting the defense industry and economy.”

The PULS system, made by Israel’s Elbit, has a range of up to 300 km (190 miles) and will help protect Greece’s northeastern border with Turkey and Greek islands in the Aegean, officials have said. The deal also includes the construction of components in Greece.

According to the Defense Ministry, the deal will be implemented over four years, followed by a decade of support and maintenance.

Greece and Israel have strong economic and diplomatic ties, have conducted several joint military exercises in recent years, and operate an air training centre in southern Greece.

Greek lawmakers approved in December the purchase of 36 PULS systems.

Greece has said it will spend about 28 billion euros ($32.66 billion) by 2036 to modernize its armed forces as it emerges from a 2009-2018 debt crisis and tries to keep pace with its historic rival, Turkey.

Greece is also in talks with Israel to develop a 3 billion euro ($1.09 billion) anti-aircraft and missile defense dome.