Greece to Bolster Rocket Artillery Capabilities in 2025

Greece is prioritizing the strengthening of its rocket artillery capabilities in 2025. Civilian and military leadership plans to submit a reinforcement program to the relevant parliamentary committee for approval by the end of the first quarter.

Defense Minister Nikos Dendias is expected to unveil a comprehensive 12-year armament plan by February. The plan's key focus is on enhancing the operational and strategic capabilities of the land army, particularly its artillery.

Drawing lessons from the conflict in Ukraine, where artillery has proven crucial even in modern warfare, Greece aims to develop strike capabilities with a range of up to 300 kilometres. According to informed military sources contacted by eKathimerini, this enhanced range is intended to serve as a strong deterrent against potential threats to national security.

These sources indicate that the selection process is nearing completion, with the Israeli PULS system emerging as the preferred option. Discussions between Greece and Israel suggest a potential procurement of 40 PULS systems to bolster the land army's presence in Evros (northeastern Greece) and the Greek islands. However, the final number of systems acquired will depend on cost negotiations, with Athens aiming to maintain the total expenditure below €700 million.

The Greek army is reportedly interested in acquiring a mix of ammunition compatible with the European version (EURO PULS), including Accular rockets (122 mm and 160 mm), EXTRA rockets (306 mm), and, most importantly, Predator Hawk rockets (370 mm), which reach the desired 300-kilometer range.

Furthermore, the Greek army plans to request the integration of SkyStriker loitering munitions into the PULS arsenal. This unmanned system boasts a range of up to 100 kilometres and can carry either 5 or 10-kilogram warheads, providing flight endurance of two hours or one hour, respectively. A key feature of the SkyStriker is its ability to return and be redeployed if not used.

Sources also indicate that Greece and Israel have agreed on a 10-year system support package encompassing follow-on support and ammunition certification. The estimated cost for 40 systems, including launchers, command batteries, ammunition, training, and support, is projected to be between €500 and €700 million. Greece's domestic defence industry's potential involvement in the project is also under consideration.