Greece approves $750M rocket deal with Elbit amid negotiations for $3.5B Israeli air-defense systems
The PULS system approval comes as Athens accelerates negotiations with Israel on major air-defense upgrades.
Greek lawmakers approved the purchase of 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Israel’s Elbit for an estimated $750 million. PULS rockets can fire at ranges of up to 300 km. The deal with Greece continues a series of significant contracts signed by Elbit since the summer, against the backdrop of the global arms race and the easing of tensions between some countries and Israel following the end of the war.
About two and a half weeks ago, Elbit reported the largest deal in its history, worth $2.3 billion, but did not specify with whom or its exact nature, aside from the broad description of “a strategic solution for an international customer.” Prior to that, Elbit reported a $1.63 billion deal with Serbia, under which it will upgrade the Serbian army while supplying electronic warfare equipment, drones, long-range rockets, and additional systems.
Alongside Greece’s planned procurement of Elbit rockets, the Greek Ministry of Defense is currently conducting accelerated negotiations with Israel’s Ministry of Defense, Rafael, and Israel Aerospace Industries in preparation for a major air-defense deal estimated at approximately $3.5 billion. Greece is seeking to upgrade its air-defense capabilities in response to current threats and ongoing tensions with Turkey. As part of the emerging agreement with Israel, Greece intends to acquire IAI’s Barak MX missiles and Rafael’s David’s Sling and Spyder systems.
Greece has said it will spend about $32 billion by 2036 to modernise its armed forces as it emerges from a 2009-2018 debt crisis.
