Greece is facing increasing pressure from its NATO allies, particularly the United States and France, to significantly step up its military aid to Ukraine.
According to a report in Kathimerini, the core of this demand is for Greece to facilitate the transfer of some of its 25 Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets via third-party intermediaries.
This pressure is challenging Athens’ strong preference for limiting its contributions to older, less advanced weapon systems—such as the 60 self-propelled 203 mm M-110 howitzers, which have been in the Army’s arsenal since the 1960s—due to its reluctance to supply high-tech military assets for use against Russia.
The push for a more substantial contribution, rather than a token one, also comes from Eastern European countries that feel more acutely sensitized to the conflict.
Ukraine, European defense, and the priorities of Greece
The scrutiny on Greece coincides with a broader push for enhanced European defence capabilities. At an informal gathering in Copenhagen, EU leaders gave “broad support” to proposals aimed at rapidly developing drone and anti-drone technology and utilizing immobilized Russian assets to secure loans for Ukraine.
European Council President Antonio Costa confirmed that leaders backed initial “flagship projects” to strengthen security, including the “European drone wall” and the “Eastern Flank Watch.”
Ahead of the meeting, which followed recent airspace violations across several member states, the European Commission outlined these and other ideas—such as an Air Defence Shield and a Defence Space Shield—in a Scoping Paper, calling for urgent financing and implementation.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, the host, echoed the sentiment of “broad support” for the Commission’s proposals.
Addressing the summit, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that while Europe enhances its eastern defense, it must equally safeguard its southern borders. Sources indicate the Premier stressed that Europe “must receive the message from Ukraine” regarding the crucial role of new technologies in modern warfare.
He underscored the need for Europe to prioritize technological advancement in defense, establish its own robust production capacity, and foster innovation within the sector.
Related: Will Greece Join the “Coalition of the Willing” in Ukraine?
