Greece considers military stockpile review to aid Ukraine
Greece is examining its military stockpiles to transfer them to Ukraine, reports the eKathimerini portal. This action is in response to Kyiv's requests for missiles for S-300 and Patriot systems and various other equipment. The list includes Harpoon anti-ship missiles and RM-70 rocket systems, among other things.
In recent weeks, assistance from Western allies to Ukraine has intensified. Germany has pledged to find additional Patriots to send to the front. However, this effort ultimately ended in failure, although Kyiv has seen success with the recent deployment of another IRIS-T SLM air defence system from Berlin.
Nevertheless, the air defence system does not solve Ukrainians' significant issues due to the ongoing revival of the military sector in the Russian Federation, which enhances its capability to conduct attacks deep into Ukraine.
Therefore, Kyiv continues to seek assistance from its allies. Recently, Kyiv has reached out to Athens with a request for ammunition for Patriots and S-300 systems. According to the eKathimerini portal, Ukraine's list of expectations from Greece includes many other weapons.
Ukrainians ask for Greece's help. Here is what they need
The list of equipment that Kyiv is requesting from Athens primarily includes ammunition. There is also a need for parts for the long-awaited F-16 fighters, which would be used for future aircraft repairs. Ukraine would like to receive the following:
- Spare parts for F-16 fighters
- MLRS RM-70 Vampir rocket systems
- Engineering equipment
- Harpoon anti-ship missiles
- Artillery shells of calibres 150 mm, 130 mm, 120 mm, and 100 mm
- Mortar and tank shells of calibres 125 mm, 105 mm, 85 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm
Aside from the tank and artillery ammunition, which Ukrainians frequently discuss concerning its shortage, a specific model of a rocket launcher from Greece's arsenal draws attention. The RM-70 Vampir is a multi-rocket launcher produced since the 1970s. Its design is similar to the popular BM-21 Grad systems, although it is heavier and widely considered superior.
The RM-70 is powered by an engine that generates nearly 335 horsepower and can propel the vehicle to almost 90 km/h. Its defensive capabilities include a 122 mm launcher with a stock of 40 pieces of ammunition and a range of up to 19 km. Additionally, the Vampir is equipped with a vz—59 machine gun.
Meanwhile, the Harpoon anti-ship missiles requested by the Ukrainians from the Greeks are US-made, short-range cruising ammunition that can be launched from surface, underwater, and aerial platforms. They are designed to eliminate surface targets, so Kyiv will most likely use this weapon against the dwindling Black Sea Fleet.
Depending on the variant, the Harpoon can strike targets up to 130 km from the launch point (even 280 km in the extended-range version). Each version is turbojet-powered and can accelerate to approximately 850 km/h. A warhead weighing approximately 220 kg ensures the effectiveness of the attack.
