BMP-1 of the Greek Army with "Browning" M2NV
Image source: topwar.ru
Ukraine can get more than a hundred infantry fighting vehicles BMP-1 from the presence of the Greek army, if Washington and Berlin persuade Athens. According to the Greek press, the United States and Germany have significantly increased pressure on the country's government.
According to reports, the United States and Germany are in favor of transferring 130 BMP-1s to Ukraine from the presence of the Greek Armed Forces, as well as Soviet-made anti-aircraft complexes in service with the army. We are talking about the S-300 air defense system, the Tor-M1 air defense system and the Osa-AK. Moreover, in the last two weeks, the pressure on Athens has only intensified.
According to Efimerida ton Syntakton, the Greeks managed to reject the insistent demands of the Americans and Germans, hiding behind the Turkish threat. But this is only with regard to anti-aircraft systems, and even then temporarily. With regard to infantry fighting vehicles, such a number did not pass, the United States and Germany require Greece to transfer about 130 BMP-1s to Ukraine, instead of which the Germans promise to supply the Marder 1A5 BMP from the Bundeswehr. However, Athens has not yet made a final decision.
In addition, there is a direct appeal from Ukraine, which has requested the supply of Stinger MANPADS and Harpoon anti-ship missiles, but Greece is not discussing these weapons.
The BMP-1s in service with the Greek army were received by Greece in the early 90s after the unification of Germany and the disbandment of the National People's Army of the GDR. Then the Greeks got 500 infantry fighting vehicles produced under a Soviet license at East German enterprises. Before the transfer, the IFVs were brought up to European standards: new radio stations, smoke grenade launchers, as well as turn signals, rear-view mirrors, etc. were installed on them. At the same time, the outdated 9K11 "Malyutka" anti-tank complexes were dismantled, and instead of them, 12.7 mm M2NV machine guns began to be installed on the towers in Greece. Instead of turrets with 73-mm 2A28 guns, 23-mm ZU 23-2 were installed on parts of the vehicles.
