Greek stockpiles examined as Ukraine requests more weaponry

Greece is examining its military stockpiles for possible transfer to Ukraine, reports the eKathimerini portal. This results from Kyiv's requests to transfer missiles for the S-300, Patriot systems, and other equipment. The list includes Harpoon anti-ship missiles and RM-70 rocket systems.

In recent weeks, Western allies' assistance to Ukraine has intensified. Germany declared to find additional Patriots to send to the front lines, although this ultimately failed. However, the recent deployment of another IRIS-T SLM air defense system from Berlin can be considered a success for the Kyiv authorities.

The air defense system is not, however, a complete solution for the Ukrainians' problems in light of the ongoing revival of the military sector in the Russian Federation and the possibility of conducting further attacks deep into Ukraine.

That is why Kyiv continues to appeal for help from its allies. Recently, it asked Athens for ammunition for the Patriot and S-300 systems. According to the eKathimerini portal, Ukraine's list of demands from Greece includes many other weapons.

The list of equipment that Kyiv is requesting from Athens primarily includes ammunition. There is also a demand for parts for the long-awaited F-16 fighter jets, which would be used in future aircraft repairs. Ukraine would like to receive:

• spare parts for F-16 fighter jets;
• MLRS RM-70 Vampire rocket systems;
• engineering equipment;
• Harpoon anti-ship missiles;
• artillery shells of 155 mm, 152 mm, 122 mm, and 105 mm;
• mortar and tank shells of 125 mm, 120 mm, 105 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, and 40 mm.

Apart from the tank and artillery ammunition, which Ukrainians have often highlighted due to its shortage, a specific rocket launcher model from Greece’s arsenal deserves attention. The RM-70 Vampire is a multiple rocket launcher that has been in use since the 1970s. Its design is similar to the popular BM-21 Grad systems, albeit heavier and commonly considered better.

The RM-70 is powered by a unit generating nearly 250 HP and can accelerate the vehicle to a speed of almost 90 km/h. Its defensive capabilities are provided by a 122 mm launcher with a stock of 40 rounds capable of reaching up to 19 km. Additionally, the Vampire is equipped with a VZ—59 machine gun.

Meanwhile, the Harpoon anti-ship missiles that Ukrainians are also requesting from the Greeks are American-made short-range cruise missiles capable of being launched from surface, underwater, and aerial platforms. They are intended to eliminate surface targets, so Kyiv most likely plans to use this weapon against the shrinking Black Sea Fleet.

Depending on the variant, the Harpoon can reach objects up to 130 km from the launch site (even 280 km in the extended-range version). Each version's propulsion is a turbojet engine, allowing the missile to reach speeds of approximately 850 km/h. A warhead weighing approximately 220 kg ensures the attack's effectiveness.