Following the publication of various reports in local media, Greece is engaged in an intense debate regarding the country’s participation in different military support initiatives for Ukraine, as it faces increasing pressure from its main NATO allies to step up its efforts and contributions in this regard. Among the main proposals being studied by the Greek government is a potential negotiation with France to transfer its aging Mirage 2000-5 fighters through a sale — an option previously considered by the Hellenic Air Force as part of its modernization plan — which would subsequently facilitate their delivery to Ukrainian pilots.

According to local sources, the countries exerting the most pressure on Greece to move forward with this transfer are reportedly France and the United States, arguing that the Hellenic Air Force’s current fleet of 25 Mirage 2000-5 aircraft would be highly useful to strengthen Ukraine’s air capabilities, which have already received the first fighters of this type from the French Air and Space Force. Advancing such an operation would also be considered an important political gesture, breaking with the current pattern in which Athens limits itself to sending older systems, such as the M-110 howitzers from the 1960s.

In addition, U.S. pressure carries another aspect that Athens must take into account: the procurement of weapons through the so-called Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). This is a key initiative in which Scandinavian countries, as well as the small Baltic states — known for their strong stance against Russian aggression in Ukraine — have been the main participants, along with other Eastern European nations seeking to draw Greece into a more active position. This is logical given their geographical proximity to Russia, and especially in light of recent airspace incursions.

At present, it is worth noting that the Hellenic Air Force would not face significant difficulties in maintaining its defensive capabilities should it proceed with the sale of its Mirage 2000-5s, considering that it has already acquired a fleet of 24 more advanced French Rafale fighters. There is also speculation about a possible future purchase of an additional six to twelve Rafales, whose cost could be reduced in exchange for the older aircraft. Furthermore, the Mirage 2000-5 platform is scheduled to lose official support in 2027, while the previously considered sale to India has stalled.

Finally, broadening the perspective on the pressures Greece faces regarding the war in Ukraine, it is important to highlight that these also extend to its firm opposition to Turkey’s potential participation in the SAFE mechanism launched by the European Union. This program, which will mobilize more than 150 billion euros to facilitate loans for military equipment acquisitions, could include Ankara due to its ties with NATO member states. The Greek government’s opposition is rooted in the long-standing and difficult territorial dispute between the two countries over the Aegean Sea.

Images used for illustrative purposes.

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