“If our allies ask for a specific period of time — in this case the Olympic Games — a specific assistance, which does not in any way affects the country’s defense capability, this will be done, but always after coordination and consultation between the two sides,” government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis told reporters during a regular briefing on Thursday. “But we are always talking — and I make it clear — about a limited specific time period.”
An official at the French embassy in Athens declined to comment.
This is the first time a report has emerged about France requesting air defense material for the Olympics. Until now, it has been reported that foreign police and military would be present during the Games.
Although not directly linked to Ukraine, the French request is seen as an indirect enticement to Athens to “unlock” part of its air defense in the general European effort to strengthen Kyiv.
The United States is expected to pressure further pressure Athens in this regard on Friday during a planned teleconference on Ukraine’s assistance during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
The Crotale air-defense system in question is French-built and was integrated into the Greek air force in 2003. It has a firing range of 11-20 kilometers and a maximum engagement altitude of 6 km. It is described as “ideal” for the purpose for which the French want it.