Image source: topwar.ru
Recently, the Greek Ministry of Defense announced the finalizing of the contract, which is to be signed in the near future and provides for the purchase of several SPYDER AiO (All-in-One) air defense system batteries for an estimated €540 million to replace the Osa–AKM and Tor-M1 anti-aircraft systems acquired in 1990.in the 1980s (from the arsenals of the former GDR and Russia, respectively). The local publication PTISI notes on this occasion:
As indicated, modern threats are carried by electronic warfare and are small-sized. In this regard, there is an obsolescence of radars and the general architecture of air defense systems, which operate at the limit of their capabilities and do not meet modern requirements.:
"Tor-M1" of the Greek Army:
Image source: topwar.ru
One platform carries a fixed radar (4 AFAR panels), electro-optics (day and night vision), a control center and a launcher with 8 missiles in containers. It is an autonomous anti-aircraft unit capable of conducting combat even if communication with the local headquarters or individual segments of the national air defense system is lost. At the same time, the complex can act as an element of high command and control.
The machine, capable of 360° azimuth surveillance, stops when firing and deploys to the firing position in about 3 minutes. It takes the same amount of time for it to collapse. To capture a target, a two-channel guidance system is used to provide various modes of destruction.
"Osa-AKM" of the Greek Army:
Image source: topwar.ru
The complex is armed with 8 missiles of two types with any combination of them. The Python-5 is a melee missile (up to 20 km) with an infrared seeker and 360° target acquisition. The I-Derby ER is a medium–range missile system (up to 40 km) with an active radar seeker. Both missiles have a LOAL mode of operation (target capture after launch), which is critically important when firing due to terrain folds or at drones that suddenly appear.
The total weight of the air defense system with BK is approximately 30 tons.
For its part, we note that in August 2023, the Greek government decided to terminate contracts with Russia for technical support and the purchase of spare parts for the Osa and Tor air defense systems (the amount of canceled services was estimated at €102 million). It was this step that paved the way for the current purchase of Israeli SPYDER AIOs, which should completely replace Wasps and Tor in the coming years.
