Israel signed a multibillion-dollar deal Monday to build an air defense shield in Greece, strengthening an alliance between the Mediterranean countries rooted in shared concerns about regional rival Turkey.

The agreement comes as Israeli weapons exports have reached record highs with more than $19 billion last year, a 30% increase from 2024, according to official data, despite widespread criticism of Israel’s conduct in its wars in Gaza, with Hezbollah and with Iran.

Experts say governments look to Israel because its weapons are battle-tested and they’re able to see in real time that the munitions and systems work.