U.S. urges Greece to move Patriot missiles to Ukraine
The Greek daily "Kathimerini" reports that Washington is pressuring Athens to transfer the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, previously deployed in Saudi Arabia.
The Americans justify their requests by emphasizing the need for Europe to take more responsibility for arms supplies to Ukraine. Analysts from Defence Express highlight the paradox that while the United States is urging Greece to support Ukraine, this could simultaneously weaken Saudi Arabia in the face of threats like attacks (via missiles and drones) from the Yemeni Houthis.
The US pressures an ally
This situation may be connected to plans for a major American arms sale to Saudi Arabia, potentially worth up to $100 billion, as reported by Reuters. The deal is expected to be announced during Donald Trump's planned trip to Saudi Arabia from May 13-16.
According to analysts from Defence Express, the Greek armed forces currently have six Patriot system batteries, acquired with PAC-2 missiles but slated for an upgrade to the PAC-3 standard. This upgrade boosts the system's capabilities, enabling it to intercept ballistic missiles.
This solution is particularly advantageous for Ukraine because it effectively complements other Western systems that, while effective against other targets, struggle with ballistic missile interception.
A valuable ally for Ukraine
The Ukrainian service UNITED24 Media notes that Greece provides Ukraine with military, humanitarian, and diplomatic support but often does so discreetly, aiming to avoid escalating tensions with Russia.
To date, Greece has supplied Ukraine's military with BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, rifles, ammunition, and various rocket launchers. From Kyiv's perspective, Greece is a valuable ally as it is among the last Western nations still possessing Russian arms, including air defense systems. Consequently, Ukraine can source additional missiles for the S-300 or Tor-M1 systems from Greece. However, Greece has not agreed to transfer S-300 air defense systems, or Mirage 2000-5 and F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
