“The necessary instructions have already been given so that outdated systems and equipment that are no longer used by the Greek army are transferred to Ukraine,” the publication says.
It is noted that Greece made this decision after the Office of Military Cooperation of the US Department of Defense reported that the State Department had approved the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Athens worth $8.6 billion.
Along with the approval of sales of advanced fighter jets, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent a letter to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakis Mitsotakis with a proposal to transfer or sell weapons to Ukraine in exchange for $200 million in aid from Washington.
“We continue to be interested in defense capabilities that Greece could transfer or sell to Ukraine. If these capabilities are of interest to Ukraine, and until the US government assesses their status and value, we may explore the possibility of possible additional funding for the Greek military in the amount of up to $200 million.” , Blinken noted.
According to open sources, Greece is armed with the Tor, Osa, S-300 air defense systems, as well as ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns and ammunition for all of the listed weapon systems.
Greek assistance to Ukraine
In the summer of 2023, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky visited Greece. During his visit, he said that Athens would train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters. The head of state also said that Ukraine is counting on Greek air defense in the Black Sea.
Later it was reported that Greece was suspending funding for support and maintenance programs for Soviet-style anti-aircraft missile systems, as they could be transferred to Ukraine in the future.
It also became known earlier that the United States is discussing with Greece the possibility of selling 75 thousand artillery shells from the reserves of the country’s Armed Forces. The negotiations are being conducted as part of Washington’s efforts to replenish Ukraine’s ammunition.
2024-01-28 00:01:14
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