Greece to Send Vintage Sea Sparrow Missiles to Ukraine

Greece will transfer 24 Sea Sparrow missiles to Ukraine, marking its latest contribution to military aid for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The Sea Sparrow missiles, originally developed in the United States, are short-range air defense systems designed to counter aerial threats. These weapons will be sourced from the inventories of Greece's naval and air forces, where they have been deemed surplus after nearly four decades of operational use.

Greek authorities confirmed that the Sea Sparrow systems were retired from active service as they no longer meet the country’s military standards. Despite their age, these missiles are considered valuable for Ukraine’s defense needs. Ukrainian forces could deploy them from Buk platforms modernized under the FrankenSAM program, allowing integration with Western missile systems such as the Sea Sparrow and AIM-9L/I-1 Sidewinder.

This strategic adaptation highlights Ukraine’s innovative use of hybrid air defense solutions, combining Soviet-era systems with Western technology to enhance operational flexibility.

The transfer of the Sea Sparrow missiles is part of Greece’s broader military assistance to Ukraine, which includes artillery ammunition and additional weapons. However, Greece has drawn a clear line regarding the provision of advanced systems. Requests for high-end air defense platforms like the S-300 and Patriot systems have been declined due to security concerns and the absence of viable replacements.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to supporting Ukraine during the recent European summit. He emphasized that Greece’s approach aims to balance aiding Ukraine with safeguarding its own national defense capabilities.