Greece Reportedly Plans to Sell Russian-Made Air Defense Systems to Armenia Over Ukraine

Greece is reportedly preparing to sell its Russian-made air defense systems, including the S-300 surface-to-air missile systems, to Armenia in a move reflecting a broader strategic realignment. This decision comes as Athens seeks to upgrade its military arsenal and deepen ties with Armenia, a country with which it shares a history of close relations.

According to Greek news outlet Enikos.gr, the Greek Armed Forces are in the advanced stages of phasing out older Russian-made air defense systems such as the S-300, Tor-M1, and Osa-AK. These systems are being replaced by modern Israeli-manufactured equipment, leaving the surplus Russian systems available for transfer. The report did not specify the number of units to be sold to Armenia or the financial details of the deal.

The decision to transfer the systems to Armenia, rather than supplying them to Ukraine, is described as a “strategic choice” by Athens. Greece has resisted calls to send its S-300 systems to Kyiv despite pressure from NATO allies. Instead, the country opted to support Ukraine with other Russian-made equipment, such as armored vehicles.

Armenia’s familiarity with the operation and maintenance of Russian-made systems reportedly influenced Greece’s decision. The embargo on Russian spare parts by NATO and the EU following the Ukraine war has hindered Greece’s ability to maintain these systems, making them more practical for Armenia, which has the necessary expertise and resources.

Enikos.gr also mentioned France’s involvement in building closer military ties between Greece and Armenia. France has become a key Western military partner for Armenia in recent years, contributing to the strategic calculus behind the deal.

Traditionally reliant on Russia for arms, Armenia has faced challenges in acquiring supplies from its long-time ally due to strained relations following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and Russia’s involvement in Ukraine.

In recent years, Armenia has signed significant arms deals with India and France and sought to expand military-technical cooperation with Greece. The Armenian government announced plans for an agreement with Greece that includes the transfer of defense technology and the repair of military equipment imported from third countries.

Greece and Armenia have long-standing historical and cultural ties, further strengthened by military cooperation over the decades. Since the 1990s, Greece has trained hundreds of Armenian officers in its military academies. However, this potential deal would mark the first significant transfer of heavy weaponry from Greece to Armenia, signaling a deepening of their defense relationship.

During his March 2024 visit to Yerevan, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to strengthening military ties with Armenia. He also noted broader collaboration involving India and France in "trilateral and quadrilateral" defense initiatives with Armenia, though he did not provide further details.

For Greece, the move aligns with its strategy to modernize its military and strengthen partnerships with like-minded nations. It also shows the challenges of maintaining Russian-made systems under current geopolitical tensions and Western sanctions.

Neither the Armenian Defense Ministry nor Greek authorities have officially commented on the reports. However, the possibility of this deal shows shifting dynamics in the region and Armenia’s growing efforts to secure diverse sources of military support in an evolving geopolitical landscape.