| 
Leopard 1 Main Battle Tanks
following live fire exercise with Army Aviation AH-64 Apaches.
The Hellenic Army
Tanks
Leopard 1 V/GR/A5
The Hellenic Army has acquired both new and used Leopard
1's in the past. Most of these armored assets will soon undergo a major
upgrade program that includes STN Atlas Electornic's MOLF targeting
system. The program is intended to allow these tanks the ability to
counter more technologically advanced opponents on the battlefield, and to
supplement the new tanks that the Army is acquiring.
| Armament
: |
1 x 105 mm L7 A3
Reinmetall, |
|
1 x 7.62 mm MG (coaxial), |
|
1 x 7.62 mm MG
(anti-aircraft) |
| Ammunition
: |
55 x 105 mm, |
|
8,250 x 7.62 mm |
| Length Gun
Forward : |
9.54 m |
| Length
Hull : |
7.09 m |
| Width : |
3.41 m |
| Height : |
2.39 m |
| Power/Weight
: |
19.8 hp/t |
| Weight : |
42.4 t |
| Engine : |
MTU MB 838 Ca M500,
10-cylinder water-cooled diesel, producing 830 hp at 2,200 rpm. |
| Transmission
: |
ZF 4 HP 250 automatic, 4
gears forward and 2 reverse. |
| Maximum
Speed : |
65 km/h |
| Maximum
Range : |
550 km |
| Vertical
Obstacle : |
1.15 m |
| Trench : |
3 m |
M-60 A1 RISE/A3TTS
The M-60 family of tanks has a fairly brief history with
the Hellenic Army. Numerous units entered service following their
withdrawal from the armed forces of NATO member states, due to the
restraints placed by the CFE treaty. Because of the increasing number of
new tanks and used Leopard 1's entering service, many of these tanks will
again face demolition since Hellas too has to abide by the CFE limit
restricting the total number of armored units in service.
| Armament
: |
1 x 105 mm M68 L7A3, |
|
1 x 7.62 mm MG (coaxial), |
|
1 x 12.7 mm MG
(anti-aircraft) |
| Ammunition
: |
63 x 105 mm, |
|
6,000 x 7.62 mm, |
|
1,000 x 12.7 mm |
| Length Gun
Forward : |
9.44 m |
| Length
Hull : |
6.95 m |
| Width : |
3.63 m |
| Height : |
2.65 m |
| Power/Weight
: |
14.5 hp/t |
| Weight : |
51.5 t |
| Engine : |
Continental AVDS-1790-2A,
12-cylinder air-cooled diesel, producing 750 hp at 2,400 rpm. |
| Transmission
: |
General Motors, 2 gears forward and
1 reverse. |
| Maximum
Speed : |
48 km/h |
| Maximum
Range : |
500 km |
| Vertical
Obstacle : |
0.91 m |
| Trench : |
2.59 m |
M-48 A5/A5 MOLF
While numerous versions of the M-48 have served for many years in the Hellenic Army, today only the A5 and its MOLF
upgraded version remain. As newer assets are acquired, the A5's in
addition to the M-60 A1's will be withdrawn.
| Armament
: |
1 x 105 mm M68 L7, |
|
1 x 7.62 mm MG (coaxial), |
|
1 x 12.7 mm MG
(anti-aircraft) |
|
1 x 7.62 mm MG (loader) |
| Ammunition
: |
54 x 105 mm, |
|
8,000 x 7.62 mm, |
|
1,000 x 12.7 mm |
| Length Gun
Forward : |
8.69 m |
| Length
Hull : |
6.88 m |
| Width : |
3.63 m |
| Height : |
2.80 m |
| Power/Weight
: |
15.5 hp/t |
| Weight : |
49 t |
| Engine : |
Continental AVDS-1790-2A,
12-cylinder air-cooled diesel, producing 750 hp at 2,400 rpm. |
| Transmission
: |
Automatic, 2 gears forward and
1 reverse. |
| Maximum
Speed : |
48 km/h |
| Maximum
Range : |
463 km |
| Vertical
Obstacle : |
0.92 m |
| Trench : |
2.5 m |
AMX-30
The AMX-30 is currently in reserve, as additional units
are planned to be sold to Cyprus. Prior to entering service with the
National Guard on the island, they undergo some modifications to bring
them to the more advanced B2 level. The AMX-30 is French-built and was
acquired by the 1967-1974 military administration that governed the
country, so as to reduce dependence on the USA.
Armored Personnel Carriers
Leonidas II
The Leonidas APC is based on the Steyer Daimler Puch
model 4K7FA, and was built domestically by Steyer Ellas (now ELVO)
starting in 1982. Additional units were also sold to the National Guard
of Cyprus.
| Armament
: |
1 x 12.7 mm MG |
| Ammunition
: |
1,500 x 12.7 mm |
| Length
Hull : |
5.87 m |
| Width : |
2.50 m |
| Height : |
1.69 m |
| Weight : |
14.8 t |
| Soldiers : |
2 + 8 |
| Power/Weight
: |
21.6 hp/t |
| Engine : |
STEYR 7FA, inline 6-cylinder
water-cooled diesel, producing 320 hp at 2,300 rpm. |
| Transmission
: |
ZF Synchronized, 6 gears forward and
1 reverse. |
| Maximum
Speed : |
63.6 km/h |
| Maximum
Range : |
520 km |
| Vertical
Obstacle : |
0.8 m |
| Trench : |
2.1 m |
M-113 A1/A2/TOW, M-901 A1 ITV, M-106 A1/A2, M-125
A1, M-577 A2
Since their initial introduction in
1960, M113-based systems have been modified into more than 40 identified
specific variants. All vehicles in the Hellenic Army have been upgraded to
or acquired with at least the A1 modifications that include a diesel
engine. The M-113 APC is armed with a single .50 caliber machine
gun (M2), or in some cases with a classic TOW launcher.
The M-901 ITV (Improved TOW Vehicle), introduced a
launcher platform that allowed the loading and launching of the missiles
while the crew was protected inside the vehicle. The system is capable of
firing two missiles without reloading and carries ten TOW rounds in the
missile rack.
Fitted with a 4.2-inch mortar (M-30 107 mm) on a rotating
turntable mounted in the rear compartment, the M-106 provides quick and
highly mobile firepower. The mortar can be dismounted and used externally
from the vehicle and the base plate and tripod are often carried on the
outside of the vehicle when not in use. A total of 88 rounds can be
carried.
The 81mm mortar (M-29) can be traversed through 360
degrees and fired from within the vehicle. Using a base plate and tripod,
the mortar can also be used from outside of the vehicle. The vehicle
carries 114 rounds of 81mm ammunition.
The M-577 has a raised rear compartment to allow personnel
to stand upright in the vehicle. This variant is employed as a Command
Post, Communications Vehicle and Artillery FDC with the MLRS and M-109
units.
| Armament
: |
1 x 12.7 mm MG |
| Ammunition
: |
1,500 x 12.7 mm |
| Length
Hull : |
4.46 m |
| Width : |
2.69 m |
| Height : |
2.20 m |
| Weight : |
10.9 t |
| Soldiers : |
2 + 9 |
| Engine : |
6-cylinder turbo diesel |
| Maximum
Speed : |
64 km/h |
| Maximum
Range : |
380 km |
| Vertical
Obstacle : |
0.6 m |
| Trench : |
1.7 m |
BMP-1/P OST
The BMP-1 (Boevaya Mashina Pekhota) was developed in the late 1960s as a replacement for the BTR-50P.
This Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle comes from the former East German
army, and entered Hellenic Army service following the CFE treaty.
| Armament
: |
1 x 73 mm MG (2A28) |
|
1 x 7.62 mm MG (coaxial) |
| Ammunition
: |
40 x 73 mm |
|
2,000 x 7.62 mm |
| Length
Hull : |
6.74 m |
| Width : |
2.94 m |
| Height : |
2.15 m |
| Weight : |
13.5 t |
| Soldiers : |
3 + 8 |
| Power/Weight
: |
22.2 hp/t |
| Engine : |
UTD-20, inline 6-cylinder
water-cooled diesel, producing 300 hp at 2,000 rpm. |
| Transmission
: |
Manual, 5 gears forward and
1 reverse. |
| Maximum
Speed : |
80 km/h |
| Maximum
Range : |
500 km |
| Vertical
Obstacle : |
0.8 m |
| Trench : |
2.2 m |
Multiple Rocket Launchers
MLRS
The Multiple Launch Rocket System is a high mobility
automatic system based on an M270 weapons platform. MLRS fires
surface-to-surface rockets and the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).
Without leaving the cab the crew of three (driver, gunner and section
chief) can fire up to twelve MLRS rockets in less than 60 seconds.
Depending on the rocket type used, the 12 x 227 mm carried can travel a
distance of 32-70 km. The ATACMS missile has a maximum range of 140 km.
RM-70
The RM-70 122 mm rocket launcher
is an artillery reactive forty-barrel recoilless weapon with a lightly armored
crew cabin on a T-813 chassis. Its four man crew can fire the rockets
both in volleys and in single rounds, and their range exceeds 20 km.
Artillery
M-110 A2
The self-propelled M-110 203 mm howitzer first entered
service with the US Army in 1963. The vehicle itself transports only two
projectiles and five men, while the remainder of the ammunition and the
crew is on board a tracked M548. Depending on the shells used, it can
fire projectiles 21-29 km away. The M-110 weights 26.5 t, has a top
speed of 56 km/h, and a 725 km autonomy.
M-109 A1/A2/A3G/A5
Entering production in 1969, the self-propelled M-109
155 mm howitzer soon became the mainstay in NATO arsenals. The 28
projectiles it carries can be shot at distances that exceed 14 km. The
hull and the turret are made out of wrought aluminum, as this vehicle
weights 23.8 t. The M-109 has a crew of 6, a maximum speed of 56 km/h,
and can go un-refueled for 390 km.
All Terrain Vehicles
VBL Panhard
The
Panhard VBL was acquired after the need for armored reconnaissance
vehicles was identified by the Hellenic Army's involvement in
peacekeeping operations. The vehicle's Peugeot XD3T turbocharged diesel
engine allows it to reach a top speed of 95 km/h. A variety of weapon
systems can be added to the vehicle.
AM General M1025A2, M1097A2 HMMWV (High Mobility
Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle)
The AM General Corporation's Hummer or HUMVEE is in use
by the forces of the Hellenic Army since October 2000. The M1025A
version allows the mounting of Milan AT missiles, while the M1097A is
mounted with a 12.7mm machine gun or two 7.62mm. A version of this
vehicle will also carry the ASRAD anti-aircraft system by STN-Atlas. The vehicle's is
powered by a 6.5L V8 diesel
engine that generates 160HP and allows it to reach a top speed of 113 km/h.
ELBO-Mercedes 3/4 ton 240 GD
The
Mercedes Benz G-type is the preferred 4x4 of a number of NATO armies.
The Hellenic Army is equipped with the ELVO-built 4cylinder 2.4-liter
diesel engine version, that produces 72 hp at 4,400 rpm. The vehicle can
reach speeds of up to 115 km, has a tank capacity of 75 l, and has a
fuel consumption rate of about 12.4 l / 100 km. Most vehicles are of the cabrio version, and
carry a variety of weapons or communication equipment.
ELBO-Mercedes 1 1/4 ton 250 GD
The
need for a transport vehicle in the 1 1/4 ton category lead to the
acquisition by the Hellenic Army of the ELVO-Mercedes Benz 250 GD.
The vehicle is equipped with a 4cylinder 2.9-liter
diesel engine that produces 98 hp at 4,000 rpm. The 250 GD is able
to carry loads of up to 1.2 tons, reach a top speed of 103 km/h, and has
an un-refueled range of 600 km.
Anti-Aircraft Weaponry
MIM-23B Improved HAWK
Raytheon's HAWK (Homing All the Way Killer) surface to
air missile system provides medium-range, low to medium altitude air
defense against a variety of targets, including jet and rotary wing
aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles. It is carried
on a three-missile towed launcher. The missile has a 120 lbs (54.4 kg)
warhead, achieves a speed of 2.5 Mach, and has a range of 25 miles (40
km).
TOR-M1 (SA-15 Gauntlet)
The short range surface to air missile system 9M330 TOR
is built in Russia by Antey since 1991. The missile has a 15 kg warhead
and a range of 12 km. It was acquired by the Hellenic Army to provide
protection for its large mobile formations.
OSA-AK/AKM (SA-8 Gecko)
With units entering service both from East German and
Russian sources, the 9M33 Osa short range surface to air missile system
was acquired to maximize the protection offered to Army units. First
deployed in 1973, this missile system was able to carry its 19 kg
warhead to targets up to 15 km away.
Special Forces
Katadromis
Δυνάμεις Καταδρομών (Dynamis
Katadromon - Commandos): In 1965 the 1st Tactical Commando Command was
formed, which was renamed in 1967 as the 1st Commando Regiment.
Αμφίβιοι Καταδρομείς (Amphibie
Katadromis - Amphibious Commandos): Due to the demands imposed in the
Eastern Aegean Sea, the 13th Amphibious Commando Regiment was created.
Their primary mission is to disrupt a possible Turkish invasion.
Δυνάμεις Αλεξιπτωτιστών (Dynamis
Alexiptotiston - Parachute/Airborne Forces): In 1955 Hellas established a
parachuting school that trained members of the special forces. In April
of 1965 the 2nd Tactical Commando Command was formed, which was renamed
in October 1967 as the 2nd Parachute Regiment.
E.T.A. (Ειδικό Τμήμα
Αλεξιπτωτιστών - Idiko Tmima Alexiptotiston - Special
Parachute/Airborne Unit) : The most elite special forces group in Hellas, it
has a very unorthodox training program and organization. This unit of
the Army is composed of career officers and NCO's that follow extensive
programs in Hellas (MYK, KEAP) and other NATO countries (ILRRP).
Δυνάμεις Πεζοναυτών (Dynamis
Pezonauton - Marines): In 1967 the 32nd Infantry Regiment was renamed as
the 32nd Marine Regiment, and organized along the lines of the US Marine
Corps. In 1974 this force was reorganized into the 32nd Marine Brigade.
Μονάδα Υποβρύχιων Καταστροφών
(Monada Ypobrihion Katastrofon - Underwater Demolition Unit): The
Hellenic Navy recognized the need for its own specialized forces, and
early on in 1957 developed a scuba diving school. This unit received its
current name in 1967, and its training and mission resembles the
unorthodox warfare of the US Navy SEAL teams.
   
Army Aviation
AH-64A+ Apache
The McDonald Douglas (now Boeing) AH-64A+ Apache is the most advanced attack
helicopter in the world. This combat helicopter is capable of routine operations in daytime or
darkness and nearly all bad weather. The Apache uses laser, infrared and
other high technology systems - like the Target Acquisition Designation
Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor - to find, track and attack armored and
other targets. It can be armed with 16 laser-guided precision Hellfire
missiles, 76 70 mm rockets, or a combination of both, and a 30 mm
automatic cannon with up to 1,200 rounds of high explosive, dual purpose
ammunition. The aircraft is capable of flight above 4,000 m and maximum
speed of 280 km.
CH-47 DG Chinook
Designed and built by Vertol (now Boeing), as well as
Agusta of Italy, this helicopter first flew on September 21, 1961. It is
able to lift more than 7 tons or provide accomodations for 3
crewmembers, 50 troops or 24 litter patients and attendants. Supporting
the needs of the highly mobile forces of the Hellenic Army, it is
capable of flight at speeds of 315 km/h and for a range of about 1100
km.
  
UH-1 H Huey
The Huey has had a long history of combat-proven service
performance. All aicraft of this type have undergone an upgrade program
prior to entering service. The helicopter is able to fly at a speed of
241 km/h, with a range of 673 km.
Agusta Bell AB-205 A/A1
The AB-205 medium lift helicopter is capable of carrying
1,759 kg or 11-14 troops. It has a top speed of 222 km/h, a service
ceiling of 4,575 m, and a range of 580 km. The Army is looking to
replace these helicopters in the immediate future.
Agusta Bell AB-212
The Army AB-212 helicopter is used for VIP
transportation requirements. Its maximum speed is 185 km/h and its range
is 415 km.
Agusta Bell AB-206B Jet Ranger
This small helicopter is used by the Army Aviation for
observation purposes. It is able to fly at a maximum speed of 213 km/h
for a range of 676 km.
NH-300C
The BredaNardi/Schweizer NH-300C helicopters are used to train the
new pilots of the Army Aviation. It has a top speed of 140 km/h and a
range of about 415 km.
C-12 A/ R/AP Huron
With the inital Beechcraft C-12A models used for VIP
purposes, additional R models are being acquired for reconnaissance
duties. This aircraft has a maximum speed of 481 km/h, and range
of some 2,000 km.
U-17 A/B Skywagon
Built by Cessna as the military version of the 180
Skywagon, this aircraft is used for reconnaissance
by the Army. The plane has a maximum speed of 204 km/h and a
range of about 1,100 km. |
