Greek soldier sues state over expired grenade blast that caused severe injuries in Cyprus military exercise
An Athenian administrative court has begun hearings on a major damages claim filed by a 25-year-old Greek soldier severely injured during a February 2024 military exercise in Cyprus. The soldier lost his right hand and eye after an expired Egyptian-made hand grenade exploded prematurely at the Stavrovouni training grounds. The injured serviceman is seeking hundreds of thousands of euros from the Greek state, citing negligence in using outdated ammunition with a 10-year shelf life that expired in 2018 but was still issued in 2023.
Court documents revealed that despite internal warnings dating back to 2016 about defects in the DG 270/2 grenades, including liquefied explosives blocking detonator holes, the National Guard continued to supply them for training. Previous incidents involved the same model causing serious injury to another soldier in 2014. The injured soldier's legal team highlighted inadequate inspections and described the lasting impact on his career and mental health.
While military investigations reportedly found no defects in the ammunition, attorneys remain confident the judicial process will address accountability. The soldier now faces ongoing medical procedures, including a toe-to-hand transplant and custom prosthetic eye, after complications forced the removal of his eyeball in 2025.
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