Greek-operated air defence system shoots down Iranian missiles over Saudi
The Straits Times
ATHENS, March 19 - An air defence system operated by Greek military personnel in Saudi Arabia intercepted two ballistic missiles launched from Iran on Thursday, Greece's defence minister said. Read more at straitstimes.com.
ATHENS, March 19 - An air defence system operated by Greek military personnel in Saudi Arabia intercepted two ballistic missiles launched from Iran on Thursday, Greece's defence minister said.
Nikos Dendias said a Greek-operated Patriot air defence system had intercepted Iranian missiles targeting oil refineries in Saudi Arabia, without specifying where in the kingdom.
"The protection of refineries and oil units is of great importance," he said in a televised statement.
Greece has deployed a U.S.-made Patriot air defense battery, operated by Greek personnel, in Saudi Arabia since 2021 under an agreement to help protect the kingdom's energy infrastructure.
Thursday's interception was the first time that Greek personnel had operated the system, a Greek defence ministry official told Reuters.
Other outside states have also offered assistance in defending the Gulf against Iranian attacks launched in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28.

DUBAI, March 19 - Iran's foreign minister called for vigilance and regional coordination in separate calls with counterparts in Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan as the military warned of a tougher response to any further attacks on its energy infrastructure, state media reported on Thursday. Read more at straitstimes.com.












