Next month, from May 6 to 8, Greece will host the DEFEA defense exhibition, where, among others, the Czech holding Czechoslovak Group will showcase its products. Notably, the company will present the modified RM-70 Vampire 4D multiple launch rocket system (MLRS), featuring an updated armored cabin and a revised launcher.
In this context, the Polish website Defence24 questioned whether this updated version of the Czech rocket launcher will capture the interest of the Greek military.
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Open-source information indicates that the Greek Armed Forces currently operate 108 RM-70 vehicles in their original configuration which, in turn, derived from the Soviet BM-21 Grad MLRS. This provides Greece with the option of strengthening its artillery by simply modernizing existing units instead of acquiring new systems.
Greece, however, may have different priorities, especially since it has previously shown interest in newer weapons. For instance, in late 2023, local media reported that the Greek authorities had finally decided to acquire the Israeli PULS missile system from Elbit Systems, with plans to purchase 38 fire units for 500 million euros.
Yet, earlier this month, Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias, while announcing details on a major defense spending plan ($28 billion over the next decade) did not confirm plans to purchase the Israeli PULS systems. Instead, he said Greece should focus on acquiring American M142 HIMARS rocket systems and modernizing its fleet of the M270 vehicles, the HIMARS' tracked twin.
Regarding the RM-70 modernization, we should recall that in November 2021, Czech Excalibur Army representatives demonstrated the system’s advantages in Greece. With a live firing show, they highlighted the launcher’s upgraded fire control system, incorporating a ballistic computer, inertial navigation, and enhanced communications and data transmission capabilities.
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