Greece Plans to Transfer Soviet-Era Anti-Aircraft Systems to Armenia

Greece is preparing to transfer its Soviet-era anti-aircraft systems to Armenia, shifting focus from its previous plans to aid Ukraine. This development, reported by Greek media outlet Enikos, indicates that the Greek Armed Forces are actively advancing toward supplying Armenia with Russian-origin weaponry.

The specific systems involved in this potential transfer include the Soviet-made S-300PMU1, Tor-M1, and Osa-AK anti-aircraft systems. These systems, currently part of Greece’s air defense arsenal, are earmarked for eventual replacement by Israeli alternatives.

The decision to transfer these systems reflects Greece’s intention to move away from Soviet weaponry, a plan previously considered for Ukraine. However, those plans were revised due to domestic political pressures and the absence of Western support for replacing the systems with Western technology.

Greek military leadership notes that the Ukrainian government has shown decreased interest in acquiring Soviet and Russian systems as Western air defense deliveries have commenced.

Instead, Greece has opted to support Armenia, a decision influenced by cooperation with France, which also backs Armenia with military aid. This move aligns with Greece's strategic aim to bolster Armenia as a counterbalance against Turkey, a supporter of Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The fulfillment of this transfer is contingent on the delivery of new Israeli systems to Greece, expected to be operational by 2026, hinting at a timeline for the arms transfer. Armenia was chosen partly due to its familiarity with Soviet air defense systems and the existing logistical capabilities to maintain them, considering Russia's prior role as Greece’s supplier.

As reported by Greek media Enikos, the Greek military currently operates 21 Tor and 38 Osa air defense systems, along with 523 ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft systems. The Greek Air Force also possesses 12 units of the S-300PMU1 air defense system.