Greece is facing mounting diplomatic pressure from NATO allies to increase its military assistance to Ukraine, with the focus now shifting to the possible transfer of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets — a move Athens firmly rejects, citing national security concerns and regional stability.
NATO allies push, Greece stands firm
According to diplomatic sources, the United States, France, and Eastern European NATO members have formally asked Athens to consider transferring part of its fleet of 24 Mirage 2000-5s to Kyiv. The request is part of a broader strategy to distribute the burden of military aid more evenly among member states.
However, the Greek government believes that sending cutting-edge aircraft into an active warzone against Russian forces could have unintended geopolitical consequences and undermine Greece’s delicate regional posture, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Negotiations behind the scenes
As reported by Kathimerini, any such transfer would likely be facilitated by major NATO powers — the US, France, and Germany — with Czechia acting as a logistical hub. Estonia has also expressed interest in helping coordinate such a deal.
Despite plans to acquire 6 to 12 additional Rafale jets, Athens maintains that its Mirage 2000-5s remain vital for its air defence capabilities. Previous talks with India and other Asian partners fell through, while Balkan states have shown little interest.
Selective support for Ukraine
Instead of sending advanced systems, Greece continues to supply older equipment, including 60 M-110 self-propelled howitzers (203mm), which will be transferred to Ukraine via Czechia. In exchange, Greece will receive modern 155mm munitions with a 40km range, and spare parts for ageing Eastern-made vehicles.
Washington’s push and Europe’s balancing act
Meanwhile, Washington is pressing allies to purchase US-made weapons through the PURL initiative, which several Baltic and Nordic countries have already joined. Within the EU, debates continue over the formation of a joint European Defence policy, with NATO pushing for Turkey’s participation in the EU’s SAFE funding mechanism.
Athens has categorically opposed this proposal. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reiterated that Greece “cannot consent to any framework involving Turkey” while its sovereignty remains under threat.
Greece’s stance reflects a careful balancing act — meeting alliance obligations while safeguarding its national interests and maintaining strategic autonomy in a period of intense geopolitical pressure.
