Greece approves transfer of 60 howitzers, ammunition to Ukraine

Greece has reportedly approved the transfer of 60 U.S.-made M110A2 203 mm self-propelled howitzers, 150,000 artillery shells, and thousands of Zuni rockets to Ukraine, with Czechia serving as the logistical intermediary, in a deal valued at approximately €199.4 million.

According to Global Defence News, the Greek government is moving forward with this defence package under an intergovernmental arrangement routed through Czechia. 

The equipment will be supplied in its current condition, following the “where is, as is” principle, without refurbishment or modernisation. Proceeds from the transfer are expected to be reinvested in the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence’s modernisation and procurement programs.

The M110A2, introduced into the Hellenic Army in the late 1960s, remains one of the most powerful but also oldest artillery systems in Greek service. The Ministry of National Defence has categorised these systems as non-operational, noting that they no longer meet Greece’s current operational standards. Officials have emphasised that the transfer will not diminish the nation’s defence readiness.

The plan was discussed in a recent session of the parliamentary Standing Committee on Armaments and Contracts, attended by Deputy Defence Minister Athanasios Davakis and senior military officers.

While members of the governing party supported the proposal, opposition lawmakers raised concerns about the removal of artillery from the eastern Aegean islands and the shipment of weapons to an active conflict zone. The Council of Chiefs of the General Staff has classified the howitzers and ammunition as outdated systems not required by the armed forces.

Final approval of the transfer is pending from the Government Council for National Security (KYSEA), chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Once confirmed, the shipment will proceed under the bilateral framework between Athens and Prague that governs military assistance to Ukraine, ensuring accountability in the disposition of stock and the allocation of proceeds toward defence modernisation priorities.

By Tamilla Hasanova