Greece plans to transfer its S-300 air defense systems, along with other Russian-origin equipment, to Armenia as part of a broader initiative to modernize its military capabilities.
This effort, led by the Greek National Defense General Staff (GEETHA), seeks to phase out all Russian-made military systems. However, the transfer will only occur after Greece secures replacement systems to maintain its defensive readiness, Enikos reports.
Central to Greece’s modernization plan is the creation of a multi-layered air defense system capable of countering threats ranging from drones to long-range missiles. This €2 billion ($2.11 billion) initiative will rely heavily on advanced Israeli-made systems, including the Iron Dome and David’s Sling.
This transfer also represents a strategic shift, in collaboration with France, aimed at bolstering Armenia as a counterbalance to Turkey’s influence and support for Azerbaijan. France has already committed to supplying Armenia with military equipment, such as Thales GM200 air defense radars and MBDA-manufactured short-range missiles, to enhance Armenia’s defenses amid escalating regional tensions.
Complicated history of the Greek S-300s
The S-300 is a long-range surface-to-air missile system developed by the Soviet Union in the late 1970s. Over the years, the system has undergone several upgrades, resulting in multiple variants.
Greece operates the S-300PMU1 variant, which was introduced in the early 1990s. Mounted on a truck, this system can target and lock onto six aerial targets simultaneously, including drones, enemy missiles, fighter jets, and combat helicopters. Its missiles have an operational range of 195 kilometers (121 miles).
Originally, Cyprus purchased the S-300PMU1 systems in the late 1990s. However, due to opposition from Turkey, the platforms were transferred to Greece to help defuse a regional crisis. Since then, these systems have seen limited use, notably during Greece’s “Lefkos Aetos” military exercises in 2013.
Greece had previously considered sending the S-300s to Ukraine in exchange for deploying US Patriot missile systems in Crete. However, this option was stalled due to a lack of available systems from Western countries to compensate Greece for the transfer. Additionally, the Ukrainian government reportedly became less interested in acquiring the older S-300s after receiving more advanced Western equipment.