Greece to Transfer American Sea Sparrow Missiles to Ukraine.

Greece plans to transfer 24 Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine, which are in the arsenal of the Greek Navy and Air Force but have been deemed unnecessary.

This information is reported by Kathimerini.

It is noted that Sea Sparrows have been in the Greek armed forces for 40 years but are now considered outdated and are not in use.

Ukraine already has the necessary launch systems for Sea Sparrow missiles.

The decision to transfer the missiles must still be approved by the Government Council of Foreign Affairs and Defense.

For Greece, this is a response to the pressure from allies and partners who have urged the transfer of S-300 or even Patriot missile systems to Ukraine.

Greece has repeatedly refused to do so, hoping to receive equivalent weaponry in return.

Sea Sparrow Characteristics:

• Launch weight: 231.2 kg
• Warhead weight: 39 kg
• Launch range in the forward hemisphere: 70 km
• Length: 3.66 m
• Diameter: 0.203 m
• Wingspan: 0.81 m
• AIM-7E engine burn time: 2.8 sec.
• Speed: 4 Mach

It is worth noting that Ukrainian military personnel have managed to adapt the 'Buk' launch systems to launch Sea Sparrows.

Greece will not transfer Patriot and S-300 air defense systems to Ukraine, despite pressure from the EU and NATO allies.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has stated that the country is not ready to provide F-16s to Ukraine.