Greece is reportedly facing renewed pressure from NATO and European Union partners to provide Patriot missiles to Ukraine, as Kyiv seeks additional interceptors to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Ukraine has requested up to 200 PAC-2 missiles from Hellenic Air Force stockpiles, according to the Greek daily Kathimerini, citing informed sources. Neither the Greek nor the Ukrainian government has publicly confirmed the request or the reported number.
Greece-Ukraine talks shift from Patriot batteries to missiles
Earlier discussions focused on the possible transfer of some of Greece’s six Patriot batteries but ended without an agreement, according to reports. The latest talks concern interceptor stockpiles rather than complete air defense systems.
The issue has a longer history. EU and NATO allies had pressed Athens to provide additional air defense support to Ukraine. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis rejected the transfer of either a Patriot or an S-300 system, arguing that both remained critical to Greece’s deterrent capabilities.
Ukrainian officials reportedly believe some of the requested PAC-2 interceptors have been in service with the Hellenic Air Force for about 23 years and may be nearing the end of their operational lifespan.
Greek military authorities would need to determine that any missiles released remain usable but no longer serve an essential operational role. According to the report, one option under discussion would involve Greece selling the missiles to Norway, which would then deliver them to Ukraine.
Greece points to existing security role
Greek officials have emphasized the country’s ongoing contribution to allied security, including its Patriot deployment in Saudi Arabia. The Greek Ministry of National Defense says the mission began in September 2021 to strengthen Saudi air and ballistic missile defenses. The battery also helps protect critical energy infrastructure.
In March 2026, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias reported that the Greek Patriot unit intercepted two Iranian ballistic missiles targeting Saudi refineries. He argued that the deployment serves wider European interests by helping safeguard energy supplies. Greece previously supplied Sea Sparrow and Crotale missiles to Ukraine after the weapons were deemed to be nearing the end of their operational service life.
Ukraine faces chronic interceptor shortage
Ukraine continues to face a severe shortage of Patriot interceptors as Russian forces intensify ballistic missile attacks on cities and critical energy infrastructure.
The shortage has forced Ukraine to determine which locations and facilities it can defend. Plans to produce Patriot interceptors domestically in Ukraine will not provide immediate relief, with defense experts estimating that production could take at least a year to begin.
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