EU, NATO push Spain, Greece for air defenses to Ukraine; Greece refuses
According to the "Financial Times," the EU and NATO are urging the governments of Greece and Spain to transfer some of their air defense systems to Ukraine. The Greek government, however, has declared such a transfer impossible, highlighting a firm stance despite being considered an ally of Ukraine. This article delves into the reasons behind Greece's refusal and the weapons in question.
"We have already provided targeted support to Ukraine. But it is crucial to underline that we will not undertake any actions that could compromise our national defense or air defense capabilities. We have refuted such claims before, and I vehemently reiterate our stance today," Greek government spokesperson Pawlos Marinakis stated, as quoted by the eKathimerini portal.
Greece will not give air defense systems to Ukraine
According to findings by the "Financial Times," calls for Greece and Spain to aid Ukraine with extra air defense systems were made at last week's NATO summit in Brussels. Both countries possess two main types of these systems: the American-made Patriot and the Soviet-era S-300.
So far, Ukraine has reportedly received three or possibly four Patriot battery units equipped with the AN/MPQ-53 radar system, which can detect targets up to approximately 105 miles away. The PAC-2 GEM-T missiles these systems use can destroy hostile objects up to about 100 miles away. In contrast, the more advanced PAC-3 CRI missiles, featuring kinetic warheads, can hit aircraft about 75 miles away and ballistic targets about 25 miles away.
The S-300, an older system highly regarded by Ukrainians, can strike targets up to about 124 miles away and reach altitudes exceeding 83,000 feet. The missiles designed for this system have large fragmentation-blast warheads (some versions weigh up to 396 pounds) and can achieve speeds of up to 4921 feet per second upon launch.
