Hellenic Army - Modernization
Having been fourth largest arms importer in 2003–2007, Greece was 15th largest in 2008–12. Its volume of imports declined by 61 per cent between these two periods. As part of its own cost-saving exercises, Greece placed no new orders for major conventional weapons in 2012 and has delayed or cancelled a range of arms import plans, including the acquisition of 6 FREMM frigates from France and over 400 armored vehicles from Russia.
The Hellenic Army operates 401 BMP-1 armored vehicles, procured in the early 1990s through the Conventional Forces in Europe framework from former East German Army stocks. The vehicles are outdated, have minimal operational value and are being gradually withdrawn from service. According to Greece's 2005-2020 Future Force Structure plan, the Army needs 520 armored infantry vehicles. A budget of 1.7 billion euros had been allocated to procure 291 of them. Rheinmetall Defense proposed to lease 164 Marder 1A3 armored infantry fighting vehicles to Greece.
As of 2005 the Hellenic Army General Staff is strongly considering the procurement of 77 Amphibious Armored Vehicles, equipped with a 20-mm gun, able to travel at 5 knots per hour. The program was estimated at $220 million. The Hellenic Army is evaluating the offers of two U.S. companies for the acquisition of the TOMA Armored Vehicles. As of 2005 the Hellenic Arms Industry, (EVO), was the prime contractor for the production of over 112 thousand rifles that is, 5.56 mm, to cover the needs of the Hellenic Armed Forces. The budget was in the area of $135 million.
Follow-on to the Leopard program, Greece decided in 2007 to commence negotiations with the Russian authorities on the procurement of 420 BMP-3 tracked armoured fighting vehicles. In early December 2007, Greece commenced negotiations with the Russian authorities for the acquisition of 419 BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, worth an estimated EUR1.2bn. Russia also realized another opportunity for the amphibious capable BMP-3F marine combat vehicle which was offered for the special operations units of the Hellenic Land Forces.
As of 2008 the Hellenic Army was also planning to acquire 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles. The program allocated 430 million Euros for 84 vehicles. The Pandur II was proposed by Styer, the AMV proposed by Patria, and Centauro proposed by Iveco. This program was considered to be among the largest pending procurements of 8x8 armored vehicles. Th evehicle utilizes a uses an 8x8 chassis to support modular configurations, utilizing various levels of protection, armaments, and systems. Among these are the turreted vehicle, armed with an automatic 30mm canon, and a self propelledvehicle equipped with a remotely controlled gun. Other procurement plans called for the acquisition of light reconnaissance vehicles for which KMW, with the Fenek, and Panhard, with the VBL were the most significant candidates.
In November 1998 United Defense was marketing upgraded versions of the AAV7 amphibious assault vehicle to Greece, Italy, and the Republic of China (Taiwan) following its receipt in June of a contract from the US Marines Corps (USMC). In January 2010 the Greek Army purchased some M113A2s, M901A1/A2 (50-80), and AAV-7 (100 vehicles) armed with 12.7mm hmg and 40mm MK-19. There were plans for the 30 BMP-3Fs not to be acquired and instead be replaced with something else, though the 420 BMP-3Ms order was still standing.
The Hellenic Army has acquired both new and used Leopard 1's in the past. Most of these armored assets will undergo a major upgrade program that includes STN Atlas Electornic's MOLF targeting system. The program is intended to allow these tanks the ability to counter more technologically advanced opponents on the battlefield, and to supplement the new tanks that the Army is acquiring.
The M-60 family of tanks has a fairly brief history with the Hellenic Army. Numerous units entered service following their withdrawal from the armed forces of NATO member states, due to the restraints placed by the CFE treaty. Because of the increasing number of new tanks and used Leopard 1's entering service, many of these tanks will again face demolition since Hellas too has to abide by the CFE limit restricting the total number of armored units in service.
While numerous versions of the M-48 have served for many years in the Hellenic Army, today only the A5 and its MOLF upgraded version remain. As newer assets are acquired, the A5's in addition to the M-60 A1's will be withdrawn.
The AMX-30 is currently in reserve, as additional units are planned to be sold to Cyprus. Prior to entering service with the National Guard on the island, they undergo some modifications to bring them to the more advanced B2 level. The AMX-30 is French-built and was acquired by the 1967-1974 military administration that governed the country, so as to reduce dependence on the USA.
Since their initial introduction in 1960, M113-based systems have been modified into more than 40 identified specific variants. All vehicles in the Hellenic Army have been upgraded to or acquired with at least the A1 modifications that include a diesel engine. The M-113 APC is armed with a single .50 caliber machine gun (M2), or in some cases with a classic TOW launcher.
A Hellenic Army (Ellinikós Stratós) team headed to the United States in June 2020 to select 350 Bradley AIFV (Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicles) from the US Army surplus stocks. The armored vehicles will replace the Army's old M113s. Athens is also procuring some 1,200 M1117 vehicles 1,200 also designated Armored Security Vehicles (based on the Cadillac Gage V-100 and V-150 Commandos). The Bradley M2A2s would bring much-desired support to the fleet of Leopard 2HEL (Hellenic, Greek) main attle tanks.
The M-901 ITV (Improved TOW Vehicle), introduced a launcher platform that allowed the loading and launching of the missiles while the crew was protected inside the vehicle. The system is capable of firing two missiles without reloading and carries ten TOW rounds in the missile rack.
Fitted with a 4.2-inch mortar (M-30 107 mm) on a rotating turntable mounted in the rear compartment, the M-106 provides quick and highly mobile firepower. The mortar can be dismounted and used externally from the vehicle and the base plate and tripod are often carried on the outside of the vehicle when not in use. A total of 88 rounds can be carried. The 81mm mortar (M-29) can be traversed through 360 degrees and fired from within the vehicle. Using a base plate and tripod, the mortar can also be used from outside of the vehicle. The vehicle carries 114 rounds of 81mm ammunition. The M-577 has a raised rear compartment to allow personnel to stand upright in the vehicle. This variant is employed as a Command Post, Communications Vehicle and Artillery FDC with the MLRS and M-109 units.
The BMP-1 (Boevaya Mashina Pekhota) was developed in the late 1960s as a replacement for the BTR-50P. This Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle comes from the former East German army, and entered Hellenic Army service following the CFE treaty.
The Multiple Launch Rocket System is a high mobility automatic system based on an M270 weapons platform. MLRS fires surface-to-surface rockets and the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). Without leaving the cab the crew of three (driver, gunner and section chief) can fire up to twelve MLRS rockets in less than 60 seconds. Depending on the rocket type used, the 12 x 227 mm carried can travel a distance of 32-70 km. The ATACMS missile has a maximum range of 140 km.
The self-propelled M-110 203 mm howitzer first entered service with the US Army in 1963. The vehicle itself transports only two projectiles and five men, while the remainder of the ammunition and the crew is on board a tracked M548. Depending on the shells used, it can fire projectiles 21-29 km away. The M-110 weights 26.5 t, has a top speed of 56 km/h, and a 725 km autonomy.
Entering production in 1969, the self-propelled M-109 155 mm howitzer soon became the mainstay in NATO arsenals. The 28 projectiles it carries can be shot at distances that exceed 14 km. The hull and the turret are made out of wrought aluminum, as this vehicle weights 23.8 t. The M-109 has a crew of 6, a maximum speed of 56 km/h, and can go un-refueled for 390 km.
The unloading of OH-58D Kiowa Warrior armed reconnaissance helicopters begun on 22 May 2019 at the port of Volos. Along with the 70 OH-58Ds came the last so far of the 10 CH-47SD Chinook helicopters that the Hellenic Army bought from the US Army. A total of 70 Armed Reconnaissance helicopters were bought from the US Army’s reserves. The Hellenic Army receives 70 helicopters at the insignificant cost 44,15 million dollars, which can prove crucial for the rapid reaction and first attack against hostile force that will threaten the Aegean Sea islands. Six of them came ready to fly. These six flew directly to Stefanovikio Army Aviation Base. In the cockpits there were a US pilot and a Greek co-pilot.As a first step, 36 helicopters were capable of taking up every mission as they came complete in terms of communications, carrying three different types of secure radio stations. This does not mean that the remaining 24 carrying only two types of secure radio stations cannot carry out a combat mission. It’s just that their crew will operate with some minimal restrictions. The remaining 10 airframes are to be used for spares
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