Greece has expressed interest in procuring surplus M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzers being offered under the US Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program.
The Paladin is one of several weapon systems reportedly available under the EDA program, alongside Abrams tanks, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, Humvees, and Apache and Black Hawk helicopters.
The program enables partner countries to obtain US defense equipment at no procurement cost, paying only for repairs, upgrades, and transport.
Acquiring the 155mm howitzers forms part of Greece’s broader initiative to bolster its artillery strength as tensions persist with Turkey regarding the sovereignty of island airspace in the Aegean Sea.
Greece already maintains a sizable fleet of M109 Paladin howitzers.
As part of efforts to boost its firepower, Athens is reportedly evaluating options for new multiple rocket launchers, including Israel’s PULS system and the US-made HIMARS.
Paladin Variants
Paladin’s M109A5 and M109A6 variants are being offered under the program to clear inventory for the M109A7, according to Greek outlet Pentapostagma.
Although older, both variants are expected to bolster the Greek Army’s firepower if acquired in substantial numbers, particularly the M109A6.
Introduced in the early 1990s, the M109A6 variant incorporates enhanced armor protection, upgraded turret and sensor systems, and an automated fire control system for improved accuracy and responsiveness.
Both variants can fire conventional shells to a range of approximately 23.5 kilometers (14.6 miles).
