The Greek Ministry of Defense officially denied any train transport of JP-8 fuel or military materials in Jan–Feb 2023, dispelling conspiracy theories linking NATO or U.S. drone operations to the Tempi train crash.
Another one conspiracy theory surrounding the tragic Tempi train accident has been officially dismissed. The Greek Ministry of National Defense (MoD) has clarified that no transport of JP-8 fuel – used by U.S. unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) based in Larissa – was carried out via the national railway network during the months of January and February 2023.
The Ministry Dendias made this statement (March 28, 2025) in response to a parliamentary question submitted by MPs of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), as part of the regular parliamentary oversight process.
According to the MoD, “no transport of military materials was carried out on the Greek railway network on behalf of the Hellenic Armed Forces or NATO member states during January and February 2023.” Therefore, “there is no connection whatsoever between the Tempi accident and the transport of military equipment or fuel, whether on behalf of the Greek Armed Forces or NATO.”
The Ministry further explained that the JP-8 aviation fuel used by the U.S. UAVs stationed at Larissa Air Base (110 Combat Wing) is the same type of fuel used by the Hellenic Air Force aircraft and is delivered through the Air Force Fuel Pipeline System, not via rail.
The refueling process is handled using specialized tanker trucks, drawing from the Air Force’s own fuel reserves. All safety protocols outlined in official military regulations are strictly followed during these operations. Additionally, the Ministry emphasized that “no other flammable or hazardous materials are transported by U.S. forces stationed at Larissa in support of UAV operations.”
Regarding broader concerns over the transport of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and similar materials within Greek territory, the Ministry noted that such operations—whether by road, rail, or sea—are conducted in strict compliance with the safety standards set forth in Law 2168/1993 (Government Gazette A’ 147).