Greece to pass Soviet-era air defence systems to Armenia
Greece plans to retire its Soviet-era anti-aircraft systems. Although there was speculation that they might be sent to Ukraine, they are ultimately expected to be handed over to Armenia, which, despite its recent moves related to trade agreements with the West, remains perceived as a country strongly connected to Russia.
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 is determined to continue the de-Russification of the Greek arsenal and move away from old systems in favour of new, Western technology. At the same time, journalists from "Enikos" assert that Greek authorities are already at an advanced stage of negotiations concerning the transfer of the withdrawn air defence systems to Armenia.
Soviet-era weapons from Greece 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. The army uses this type of weapon against Russia. It can target objects at a distance of about 200 kilometres and altitudes up to about 27 kilometres. The missiles dedicated to this system are equipped with fragmentation-explosive warheads and reach speeds of up to 7,920 kilometres per hour.
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 defence system deliveries, also played a role.
Armenia approaches the West
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 armoured vehicles. In the future, it will also strengthen with French Caesar self-propelled howitzers.
Good relations between Yerevan and Athens also played a role. Greek journalists remember 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.