Greece denies reports of S-300 anti-aircraft missile system transfer to Armenia

Greek Minister of National Defence Nikolaos Dendias has refuted reports regarding plans to transfer S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to Armenia. 

Dendias responded to a parliamentary inquiry from Kyriakos Velopoulos, leader of the Greek Solution party, which was submitted in mid-December 2024, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

The inquiry referenced several reports suggesting that the DefenceMinistry intended to decommission Russian-made anti-aircraft systems, including the S-300, and replace them with newer systems manufactured in Israel or other country.

According to media outlets, this would be followed by a concession of air defence systems to Armenia within the broader strategic cooperation with France and other partners.

In response to the inquiry, Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias clarified, stating that no decision had been made regarding the transfer of anti-aircraft systems to third countries. 

He emphasized that the primary objective of the Ministry of Defense's policy is to maintain the country's full defence capabilities at all times, across every point of Greek territory.

Earlier, Armenia, Greece, and Cyprus concluded consultations on defence issues, culminating in the signing of a trilateral cooperation programme.

The consultations began with bilateral talks between Armenia and Greece in Athens. Subsequently, Armenia, Greece, and Cyprus held trilateral discussions. The Armenian delegation was led by Levon Ayvazyan, Head of the Department of Defence Policy and International Cooperation at the Armenian Ministry of Defence.

During the meetings, the countries reviewed the outcomes of their defence cooperation efforts in 2024 and discussed plans for 2025.

By Naila Huseynova