Greece is considering the transfer of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine in a modification that can shoot down up to 9 targets simultaneously
After pressure from European leaders, Greece has apparently agreed to give Ukraine Patriot air defense systems for monetary compensation and under US “guarantees” against the threat from Turkey.
This was reported by Pronews, citing government sources in the country.
It is noted that the United States has already provided “guarantees” and assured that, if necessary, to strengthen security, it will transfer Patriot SAMs to Athens instead of those provided to Ukraine, or will pay money from the $61 billion aid package after the Senate’s decision and President Joe Biden’s signature.
The publication did not specify what exactly the “guarantees” of the United States provide. Greece currently has six Patriot systems.
Journalists point out that Ukraine may receive at least one Patriot PAC 3 system (with the ability to shoot down ballistic missiles) with PAC-2GEM missiles.
This is a long-range mobile anti-aircraft system with a search radar up to 170 km and a maximum range of 150 km. It has the ability to simultaneously hit up to nine targets (tactical, ballistic, cruise missiles and aircraft).
🇬🇷👀 “Greece may hand over the PATRIOT PAC-3 air defense system to Ukraine if the US provides financial compensation and guarantees that Turkey will not attack Greece” – Pronews. pic.twitter.com/OwgMCUyYW0
– MAKS 23 🇺🇦👀 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) April 22, 2024
Earlier, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte offered to buy Patriot air defense systems from those countries that have them but do not want to give them to Ukraine during the EU leaders’ summit. He emphasized that Ukraine needs more air defense systems and missiles for them, as the Russian army is intensively attacking civilian cities and Ukrainian military positions with missiles of various types.
Also, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the countries of the North Atlantic Alliance could provide Ukraine with 6 Patriot air defense systems.
Swedish Defense Minister Paul Johnson said before a meeting of EU foreign ministers and defense ministries in Luxembourg that his country could send Ukraine Patriot air defense systems. According to him, Stockholm may also transfer other systems that can “take some of the pressure off” Ukraine’s need for Patriot systems.
Instead, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that his country would not be able to provide Ukraine with the Patriot air defense system, but would help strengthen Ukraine’s air defense with other types of weapons.
