Recent reports in the Greek media suggest that Athens is interested in acquiring the Indo-Russian BrahMos missile from New Delhi for strategic deterrence capabilities. Sputnik India analyzes what the development means for the projectile’s export potential in the West.
Amid an upswing in defense ties between Greece and India, the country’s press is abuzz about the Hellenic Armed Forces planning to procure the widely acclaimed BrahMos missile from the South Asian nation.
An Athens-based media publication recently claimed that among the first orders that Greece would make would be for the acquisition of anti-ship variants of the BrahMos, keeping in view the challenges its armed forces face in the Aegean, Cyprus, and Crete regions from arch-rival Turkiye.
“The cost of a BrahMos missile is estimated at 3.5 million per unit, and the purchase of a total package of around 150 missiles (we assume), along with their missile carriers (arrays) and radars, would cost much less than the purchase cost of Turkish naval surface units. In economic terms, the potential benefit of using BrahMos far exceeds the purchase price,” the Greek City Times wrote in an article published earlier this month.
Indo-Greek Military Cooperation Gaining Strength
Furthermore, it is worth noting that General Dimitrios Choupis, who is the current Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, paid a visit to New Delhi to discuss military cooperation with India last week.
While no official statement was made regarding which weapons platforms or areas were discussed during his meetings with India’s top military brass, including Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, military watchers in the world’s most populous sovereign state reckon that discussions on BrahMos would have been held, given the rocket’s appeal for Greece’s military across the spectrum.
One must not forget that BrahMos is part of a rare breed of supersonic missiles that has land, air, ship, and submarine variants.
Athens’ Procurement of BrahMos Could Open Doors of the Western World
According to Indian Navy veteran, Commodore (retired) Seshadri Vasan, Greece’s acquisition of the BrahMos missile could be a pathbreaking moment because it may open newer markets for its exports in the Western world.
Notably, if and when the deal with Greece is inked, the Mediterranean nation would become the first Western country to procure the BrahMos missile.
He pointed out that the stated objective of India is to be a defense exporter to complement its military-industrial complex, in line with the government’s vision of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance). Therefore, the interest shown by Athens in procuring the BrahMos missile is welcome news in this regard.
“Greece is looking to bolster its defenses against Turkiye and hence, they would like to ensure that there is a capability like the BrahMos in their arsenal. It is now globally acknowledged that BrahMos is a world-class missile that is almost impossible to intercept due to its lightning speed. Moreover, because it has options for maritime, land, and air forces, it becomes even deadlier, potentially tilting the balance of power in one’s favor in any conflict,” Vasan told Sputnik India on Tuesday.
Missile’s Growing Reputation Abroad Could be Influencing Greece’s Decision
Greece knows that the BrahMos has been evaluated by other players and not just by the Indian Armed Forces. For instance, the Southeast Asian state, the Philippines, has already signed an agreement for the purchase of three batteries of the Brahmos from India, deliveries of which are expected to begin later this year, the military expert stressed.
This evaluation of the BrahMos by foreign nations meant that they examined the weapons platform, accounted for its strengths and weaknesses, and found its usefulness in changing the balance in the region, Vasan noted.
“Like others, Greece would have evaluated the entire weaponry associated with the BrahMos and would have shortlisted it after realizing that it was a very good option because it is a proven weapon. Secondly, it has an export potential, and thirdly, its software algorithm can be updated according to the operational requirements of one’s military,” Vasan asserted.
In addition to that, one must always remember that the BrahMos is extremely competitively priced when compared with Western missiles like the British-origin Storm Shadow or German-manufactured Taurus missiles, giving Greece another reason to acquire the BrahMos from India, he concluded.
sputniknews.in