Greece voiced its concern to France regarding the potential sale of Meteor air-to-air missiles to Turkey, a move that could alter the balance of power in the Aegean Sea.
Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, summoned the French ambassador in Athens to express his opposition to the sale.
He conveyed Greece’s “strong opposition to such a possibility, which is not in line with the excellent strategic relations between the two countries so far.”
Dendias also referred to the provisions of the Greek-French Defense Agreement, signed in 2021 which stipulates that “Greece and France consult each other at all levels, aiming to form a common understanding on all important decisions affecting their common defense interests and joint actions whenever possible.”
Under the landmark agreement, each country is committed to come to the aid of the other in case of an attack. This agreement includes the possibility of military assistance, marking a significant step in security cooperation between France and Greece.
Greece has shown a strong interest in acquiring French-made military equipment. This includes the purchase of Rafale fighter jets and Belharra frigates for the Hellenic Navy.
Earlier in January Greece completed its Rafale order with the delivery of the 24th fighter jet. In July 2021 Greece received the first Rafale jet from France following the 2.3 billion-euro ($2.8 billion) deal.
Athens believes that these acquisitions not only modernize Greece’s armed forces but also strengthen the defense-industrial ties between the two countries.
What is the Meteor missile France may sell to Turkey?
The Meteor missile is a European, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed and manufactured by MBDA. The missile is considered, according to military analysts, a “game changer” in terms of air superiority offering several advantages over its competitors.
It utilizes a unique ramjet engine, which allows it to maintain high speed throughout its flight and gives it a longer range than traditional rocket-powered missiles. It can reach speeds of over Mach 4. It also has has an operational range of over 100 km (60 miles), enabling aircraft to engage targets from a safe distance.
Its long range and high speed create a large “no-escape zone,” making it extremely difficult for enemy aircraft to evade. The Meteor can also engage multiple targets simultaneously, increasing the effectiveness of combat aircraft.
The Meteor missile entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 2016 and has since been adopted by several other countries, including the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France. It has participated in various exercises and operations, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability.
