Greek army rejects US Bradley IFV offer due to high costs
Equipment from the US's 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at the Port of Alexandroupolis, Greece March 11, 2024. (Photo via US Army)
The Hellenic Army General Staff (HAGS) has definitively rejected the offer of used Bradley Fighting Vehicles (BFVs) from the United States, citing the proposal as “unviable.”
Greek army finds Bradley IFV’s in poor condition
During an inspection in the United States, Greek military experts assessed 62 Bradley M2A2 ODS-SA vehicles offered through the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program.
The findings revealed significant mechanical and electronic deficiencies, with many vehicles stripped of essential systems. The team noted that Bradleys had been “cannibalized” for parts, with several units likely being leftovers from earlier selections intended for Ukraine.
High costs of restoration and maintenance
The Hellenic Army’s review highlighted that restoring the Bradley vehicles to operational condition would require extensive time and significant financial resources.
The free transfer of these vehicles, in their current “as is where is” state, meant that Greece would bear the full burden of transportation, refurbishment, and ongoing maintenance.
The associated costs, including the purchase of necessary parts and systems, were deemed unsustainable within the current budget.
Further inspection of 102 Bradleys offered for sale at BAE Systems Land & Armaments only confirmed the initial concerns. The vehicles were found to be in even worse condition, leading HAGS to conclude that the program was economically unviable.
Strategic considerations
The Hellenic Army had planned to use the Bradleys as the primary battle vehicles for armored and mechanized brigades in Thrace, under the Fourth Army Corps.
The vehicles were intended to support the new operational plans of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (GEETHA), which called for the formation of Tactical Groups capable of autonomous action.
However, the high costs and logistical challenges of upgrading the vehicles to the desired M2A3 configuration forced Greece to abandon the program.
Given the financial and logistical hurdles, the HAGS has ceased further negotiations with the U.S., effectively ending the possibility of acquiring the Bradley Fighting Vehicles.
