PM, defense minister send different signals on Meteor missile sale

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Defense Minister Nikos Dendias approached the possibility of France selling the powerful Meteor missile to Turkey in different tones on Wednesday.

The prime minister noted during an interview with Alpha TV regarding whether France has decided on the sale that he had “no such information” and added that Dendias “may” have moved “proactively” due to possible interest from Ankara, saying the issue should not be addressed until matters become clearer.

Dendias raised the issue directly with French Ambassador Laurence Auer, demanding clarification on France’s intentions. The 2021 Greece-France defense pact states that both nations should consult on decisions affecting their security interests “wherever possible.” Athens argues that selling Meteors to Turkey violates this spirit of cooperation.

The Meteor missile, introduced to Greece’s arsenal in 2022, is considered a game changer. Fired from Rafale jets, it can strike targets over 100 kilometers away, granting Greece a decisive aerial advantage.

If Turkey acquires Meteors for the 40 Eurofighter Typhoons it aims to purchase for an estimated €10 billion, this superiority could be erased. Each Eurofighter can carry up to six Meteors, while Greek Rafales carry up to four, adding a numerical challenge to the strategic shift.

France has not yet issued a formal response, but reports suggest that Britain, a major player in the Eurofighter deal, is pressuring Paris to approve the missile transfer.

The UK co-manufactures the Eurofighter along with Germany, Italy and Spain.

Greek sources indicate Athens is reviewing diplomatic and economic measures to oppose the sale. Since 2019, Greece has spent €6.7 billion on French defense equipment, including Rafale jets, frigates, and missile systems.

Analysts believe Athens could leverage these contracts to dissuade Paris from proceeding.

Meteor missiles are produced by the European arms consortium MBDA, which includes France, Britain and Italy.

Export approvals require unanimous consent from all participating nations. Notably, the Meteor was denied to Egypt when it purchased Rafales.

Greek officials insist that a Meteor-equipped Turkish Air Force would jeopardize regional security

Source: pagenews.gr