Greece Supplies Ukraine with $231 Million in Artillery and Rockets to Counter Russia

Greece's Significant Arms Transfer to Ukraine

• 🇬🇷 Greece has approved a major weapons transfer to Ukraine, valued at over $231 million, signaling a significant increase in European military support.
• 🤝 The deal involves the sale of 60 M110A2 self-propelled howitzers, 150,000 shells, and thousands of ZUNI rockets.
• 🇨🇿 The Czech Republic will act as an intermediary, purchasing the weapons from Greece and then transferring them to Ukraine, a structure that allows Greece plausible deniability.

M110A2 Howitzers and Ammunition

• 💥 The M110A2 self-propelled howitzers are older models, with the original version dating back to 1963, but remain effective for counter-battery fire.
• 🎯 These howitzers, mounted on wheeled chassis, can be repositioned and fired relatively quickly, with a crew able to set up, fire, and move in about 10 minutes.
• 📦 Greece is providing 150,000 shells and firing charges, offering approximately 2,500 shells per howitzer, which is estimated to be about a month's supply given Ukraine's current firing rate.
• 💣 The shells include M106 high-explosive shells, ICM improved shells for area saturation, and DPICM scatter mine shells for ambushes.

ZUNI Rockets and Aerial Support

• 🚀 Thousands of ZUNI rockets, in both 2.75 and 5-inch varieties, will be supplied, enhancing Ukraine's aerial capabilities.
• ✈️ Ukraine has adapted Soviet-era aircraft, such as its Su-25s, to fire these rockets, which are considered reliable and useful for frontline engagements.
• 💨 The Zuni rockets, approved in 1957, are unguided but can reach speeds of up to Mach 2, making them difficult for Russian air defenses to handle.
• 📈 This transfer of ZUNIs is particularly timely as Ukraine anticipates the arrival of F-16s and Mirage 2000s in 2025.

Deal Structure and Greek Hesitation

• 💰 The howitzers are valued at approximately $36.4 million, with the shells accounting for a larger portion of the sale's value.
• ❓ Greece is selling the weapons