Turkish media claim that the US plans to transfer arms packages to Greece through the program Excess Defense Articles (EDA) – supposedly free of charge, at the expense of the Pentagon.
According to Turkish publications aydinlikUSA by order of the President D. Trump are going to be transferred to Greece as part of the program Excess Defense Articles (EDA) a number of weapons decommissioned or removed from active rotation. The publication claims that the supplies will be free for the Greek side, with the exception of the costs of maintenance, modernization and transportation.
List of systems mentioned
Materials from Turkish sources include the following types of weapons and equipment, which, according to them, may be at the disposal of the Greek Armed Forces:
- Self-propelled howitzers M109A5 and M109A6 Paladin;
- M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks;
- Armored personnel carriers/infantry fighting vehicles M2A3 Bradley;
- Wheeled vehicles HUMVEE;
- AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters;
- Transport helicopters UH-60M Black Hawk;
- Various types of unmanned aerial systems (drones).
Context and operational risks
A number of sources note that recently, after joint exercises in Didimotekho, Larisa, Stefanovik and Suda some American armored cars and helicopters remained on Greek territory. According to Turkish observers, the planned transfers fit into a strategy that uses the EDA’s capabilities to increase the American presence in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans, as well as to free up space in the US Air Force and Army fleets for modern weapons.
Why it’s not really “free”
Athens, even having received the equipment without a purchase price, will face several important costs and tasks:
- logistics of transfer and storage of large equipment;
- modernization and alignment with national standards (electronics, fire control systems, ammunition);
- training personnel and maintaining the fleet in working order;
- compatibility and parts supply issues, especially for systems retired from active service in the United States.
In particular, the version M109A6 Paladin stands out with improved armor, a new turret module, an automatic fire control system and modern sensors; the maximum firing range with conventional shells is indicated at approximately 23.5 km. At the same time, the costs of bringing such machines to the level required for the Greek Armed Forces and the organization of logistics remain key issues.
Alternatives and additional options
Separately, the materials also mention other systems that are considered by the Greek side or discussed at the level of analysis: Israeli MLRS PULS and American HIMARS. These complexes are perceived primarily as a way to increase the firing range and flexibility of artillery units.
Conclusions
If the assumptions of the Turkish press are confirmed, the transfer of equipment under the EDA could strengthen the operational capabilities of the Greek army in the short term. However, large-scale acceptance of obsolete but heavy equipment will require significant investments in modernization, logistics and personnel training. In addition, any massive arms transfer will entail diplomatic and regional consequences, taking into account the interests of neighboring states and the current geopolitical situation in the region.
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