In current weeks, Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has toured a number of European international locations. His request from every? He is looking for extra Patriot anti-missile programs or comparable expertise to be delivered to Ukraine’s armed forces.
This isn’t the primary time America has financially aided Ukraine. A number of batches of arms and ammunition acquired from Greece have been facilitated by the U.S. for onward switch to Ukraine. Latest Greek sources recommend that Athens now needs to donate a Patriot PAC-3 battery to Ukraine’s army, however this data has but to be confirmed by Greek media.
Curiously, it seems Greece is considering handing over a selected air protection system to Kyiv. This technique presently offers protection for the Greek capital, shielding it in opposition to potential threats from Turkey. Though this anti-missile protection system was designed to intercept ballistic missiles, Greece has opted for a ‘lighter’ anti-missile protection system with an working vary of 150 km. However, discussions are ongoing that may lead to Ukraine receiving a model of this system, fortified with superior anti-aircraft missiles.
S-300 too
In an intriguing replace by the Russian information outlet, TopWar, Ukraine has reportedly requested Greece for the S-300 protection system. Western media retailers had beforehand reported that the leaders of the European Union and NATO had urged Greece and Spain to half with their S-300 and Patriot anti-aircraft missile programs, with the intent of supporting Ukraine. The rationale behind this was the idea that the air protection wants of Athens and Madrid had been considerably much less pressing in comparison with these of Kyiv.
The Ukrainian authorities, in the meantime, seeks seven Patriot programs or their equal from the European Union, aiming to safe its key facilities in opposition to potential Russian missile strikes. The choice on whether or not to honor President Zelensky’s request is but to be made by the Europeans. Nonetheless, it’s famous that Germany has already commenced preparations to supply one such system for switch to Ukraine. If an settlement is reached between the Greeks and the Individuals, the Europeans would then solely must compile 5 further air protection programs, presumably to be moved to Kyiv within the imminent future.
Greece appears to refuse
Nonetheless, on the night time of April twenty third, an official denial of those studies got here from Pavlos Marinakis, the consultant of Greece’s Cupboard of Ministers. He careworn that Greece wouldn’t undertake any motion that would probably compromise the nation’s protection capabilities, particularly about their capability to counter airborne threats.
“I answered clearly that we are going to not take any steps that can jeopardize the nation’s deterrent potential, the nation’s air protection “ said the official. He additional clarified that he was not conscious of any plans from Washington to help Athens in bringing the Patriot to the Ukrainian military.
One attention-grabbing level to ponder is that the Greek military possesses 36 launchers of the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system. In distinction to this, Germany has already handed over two batteries of American programs to Ukraine and by January 2024 had 30 launchers remaining, to switch one other this yr. In such a situation, Athens appears to be in a novel place to take the reins, on condition that Berlin’s capability to ship Patriots is coming to an finish.
Greece’s Patriot
It’s time to journey again to the mid-Nineteen Nineties when Greece first bought its arms on the Patriot anti-aircraft programs. This was a strategic transfer within the bigger sport of protection, with the first intent of fortifying in opposition to airborne threats. The order comprised six Patriot batteries, an quantity deemed sufficient for Greece to construct a stable anti-aircraft defensive wall.
As time handed, Greece continued to keep up and improve these programs diligently. However they didn’t cease there. Quick ahead to 2019 and Greece introduced their intent to improve their current Patriot programs to the extra strong PAC-3 model. This clearly demonstrates how a lot Greece values an environment friendly anti-aircraft protection mechanism inside its strategic planning.
Greek air protection
It’s value noting that Greece doesn’t solely rely on the Patriot anti-aircraft system for its air protection. Curiously, in addition they incorporate the Russian S-300 system, designed to concurrently detect and intercept a number of targets over a substantial vary. In addition to, the Greek army makes use of the TOR-M1 system, one other outstanding Russian invention. This anti-aircraft equipment goals to present protection in opposition to fixed-wing plane, helicopters, drones, and varied different aerial threats over shorter ranges.
Shifting from Russia, Greece additionally hosts the French-made Crotale NG [Next Generation] system. This ground-based, short-range air protection mechanism is particularly designed to counter low-altitude plane and helicopters. Furthermore, although originating from Germany, Greece makes use of the ASRAD-R system for protection. Moveable in nature, this air protection system might be mounted on a number of platforms. It’s engineered to safeguard cell items in addition to stationary installations.
Lastly, amongst Greece’s defensive gear is the Skyguard system, a product of Swiss innovation. This ground-based air protection system is designed to supply safety in opposition to low-altitude threats resembling plane, helicopters, and drones.
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