Greece to purchase rocket launcher systems from Israel: Report

ATHENS / LONDON

Greece is preparing to acquire PULS multiple rocket launcher systems from Israel in a deal worth €692 million ($807 million), according to local reports on Wednesday.

The Kathimerini daily said the procurement will be reviewed on Thursday by parliament’s Committee on Armaments.

The Israeli-made systems will form part of the country’s medium-term defense program, known as the Achilles’ Shield.

The parliamentary committee is also expected to receive briefings on additional defense projects, including underwater mine detection and disposal vehicles valued at €100 million, the modernization of 5-inch main guns on MEKO-class vessels, and an electronic warfare initiative.

A presentation by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias on the planned acquisitions will follow the committee briefing.

The proposals will then be submitted to the full parliament for a vote.

Under the agreement with Israel, spare parts for the PULS systems are to be manufactured in Greece.

The system’s producer, Elbit, is expected to provide training to Greek technicians as part of the arrangement.

Greek media reports in September suggested that Athens had also considered a separate arms purchase worth around €700 million from Israel, but that decision was said to have been delayed due to the situation in Gaza.