Forbes: How far can military cooperation between Greece and Armenia go?
Greece has reportedly decided to transfer its arsenal of Russian-made air defense systems, including long-range S-300PMU-1s, to Armenia. The purported decision follows years of speculation that Greece might transfer these systems to Ukraine, Forbes writes. It also coincides with its recently disclosed plan to construct a new multilayered air defense system with Israeli assistance.
Greece acquired most of these systems, initially ordered by Cyprus, in the late 1990s. Armenia has long operated predominantly Soviet and Russia-built weaponry but has sought to diversify its arsenal in recent years with acquisitions mainly from India and France. Given its relatively small size and vulnerable geopolitical position, Armenia cannot feasibly afford to become “locked in a labyrinth of security interests of others,” especially the U.S. and Russia.” Transfers of military equipment can certainly take place, but possible consequences for the countries participating in transfers have to be anticipated.
For now, Greece’s main priority remains ensuring it is prepared to manage any threat from its neighbor Turkey. In this context, growing military cooperation with the U.S. and Israel is of “cardinal significance” for Athens, which continues to prioritize its national defense first and foremost. If this policy favors retaining hold of its Russian systems, Greece will undoubtedly do so. According to George Tzogopoulos, a senior fellow at the Centre International de Formation Européenne, Greek-Armenian defense collaboration is progressing, and this goes beyond the S-300 debate. “And, I would say that Greece is supporting the evolving partnership between NATO and Armenia,” Tzogopoulos said. “Armenia is experiencing serious problems in its relations with Azerbaijan, and I would not expect Greece to be a key player in that regard. Likewise, Armenia is not to be involved in Greek-Turkish relations lacking the interest and capacity in doing so,” Tzogopoulos said. According to him, there are limits in how far military collaboration between Greece and Armenia could go.
