“If our allies request specific aid for a specific period – in this case the Olympic Games -, which in no way affects the country’s defense capacity, this will be done, but always after coordination and consultation between the two parties. “, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis told reporters at a regular press briefing on Thursday. “But we are still talking – and I say this clearly – about a specific, limited period of time.”
An official at the French embassy in Athens declined to comment.
This is the first time a report has been published that France is requesting air defense equipment for the Olympics. So far, there have been reports that foreign police and military personnel will be present during the Games.
Although not directly linked to Ukraine, the French request is seen as an indirect incentive for Athens to “unblock” part of its air defense as part of the general European effort to strengthen kyiv.
The United States is expected to exert more pressure on Athens in this regard on Friday during a planned teleconference on assistance to Ukraine in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
The Crotale air defense system in question is French-made and was integrated into the Greek Air Force in 2003. It has a firing range of 11 to 20 kilometers and a maximum engagement altitude of 6 km. It is described as “ideal” in view of the use for which the French want it.
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