Greece plans to transition Soviet-era air defense to Armenia

Information about the possible transfer of Soviet-era weapons to Armenia was published by the Greek newspaper "Enikos." The article stated that the command of the Greek armed forces was determined to continue the derussification of the Greek arsenal and move away from old systems in favor of new, Western technology. At the same time, journalists from "Enikos" assert that Greek authorities are already at an advanced stage of negotiations concerning transferring the retired air defense systems to Armenia.

This most likely concerns S-300 systems, including the S-300PMU-1, TOR M-1, and OSA-AK. Several months ago, the media speculated that S-300 systems could be transferred to Ukraine. This type of weapon is used by armies fighting against Russia. It can target objects at a distance of about 124 miles and altitudes of up to about 17 miles. The missiles dedicated to this system are equipped with fragmentation-explosive warheads and can reach up to 4,921 mph speeds.

According to "Enikos," the weapons that the Greek army will eventually retire will be awarded to Armenia. Previous plans to transfer them to Ukraine were revised due to pressure from the Greek opposition and a lack of initiative in this regard from Western partners, who were not interested in compensating Greece (e.g., in the form of discounts on the purchase of new weapons in exchange for aiding Ukraine).

According to Greek journalists, the attitude of Ukrainians, who reportedly significantly reduced their interest in acquiring older, Soviet-era weapon systems with the start of Western air defense system deliveries, also played a role.

The Armenian army relies mainly on Soviet and Russian equipment. It is also a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, led by Moscow. Despite this, it has been moving closer to the West for some time. It has especially close relations with France, from which it already acquired Ground Master 200 radars, short-range Mistral anti-aircraft systems, and Bastion armored vehicles. In the future, it will also strengthen its arsenal with French Caesar self-propelled howitzers.

Good relations between Yerevan and Athens also played a role. Greek journalists remind us that after sanctions were imposed on Russia, it was Armenia with which Greece cooperated in the supply of spare parts for Soviet-era anti-aircraft systems. Greece is to give up S-300s, including the S-300PMU-1, TOR M-1, and OSA-AK, after receiving new similar armaments they have ordered from Israel. It is also speculated that the fact that Armenia is in rivalry with Azerbaijan, supported by Turkey (with which Greece has very tense relations), may influence Greece's approach.