Greece must transfer the Patriot PAC-3 system to Ukraine with US “guarantees” against the Turkish threat

Athens must transfer to Kyiv the Patriot PAC-3 air defense battery in service with Greece with US “guarantees” against the Turkish threat and a package of financial compensation.

So far we are talking about one battery and, perhaps, the second one will be transferred, which is currently leased to Saudi Arabia, the publication reports ProNews. This decision has already caused controversy in Greece.

Government sources claim that the United States has given “guarantees” of the country’s security against the Turkish threat for the entire duration of the Patriot program, without explaining exactly what “guarantees” are being offered. There is an assurance that if the batteries are destroyed, the United States will replace them with new ones, “and in any case you will receive money from the $61 billion package provided to Ukraine.”

In other words, as with the Patriots supplied to Saudi Arabia, the US incurred significant costs to activate them in a timely manner, that is, return them to service, because they did not work or did not work efficiently due to a lack of spare parts. Thus, Saudi Arabia provided $10 million as payment for the transfer of the complex to its territory.

The battery expected to be transferred to Ukraine appears to be one of two currently deployed in Athens. There are a total of 6 batteries in Greece, one of which is located in Saudi Arabia. This is a version of the Patriot PAC-3 (meaning they also include ballistic missile defense), but with PAC-2GEM missiles.

American made Patriot system and entered service with the Greek Armed Forces in 2003. It is a long-range mobile air defense (HSAM) system, with a search radar range of 170 km and a maximum engagement range of 150 km. It consists of:

• Information and Coordination Center (ICC).
• Radar.
• Collaboration Control Stations (ECS).
• Starting stations.

ICC can control up to 16 launch stations, which can be located and operated at a distance of up to 30 km from the affected area to achieve maximum coverage area. It has the ability to simultaneously destroy 9 targets (tactical, ballistic, cruise missiles and aircraft).

Each information coordination center controls up to 6 ESUs and interacts with the national air traffic control system. The PA includes 2 coordination and information centers and 6 battle control points with 6 launch stations each.

Characteristics of the AN/MPQ-65 radar

• Manufacturing company: RAYTHEON
• Description: Radar for searching, hitting targets and guiding missiles.
• Type: PHASE GRATING
• Coverage: 120°
• Maximum range: 170 km

Characteristics of the M-901 launch station

• Manufacturing company: RAYTHEON
• Description: Quad A/B rocket launcher.
• Types of missiles
  • MIM-104D GEM (Enhanced Guidance Missile)
  • MIM-104B SOJC (Standalone Interference Counter)
  • MIM-104A
  • Missile characteristics:
    • Maximum speed: Mach 3+
    • Acceleration: 30g
    • Maximum affected height: 24 km.
    • Maximum range: 160 km
  • Head weight: 90 kg.

PS Maybe then no need and buy F-35 planes for 4 billion, and ships for 8 billion, and other weapons, the purchase of which is now a heavy burden on the Greek budget, since the US guarantees Turkey's loyalty? Or is it something else?

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