A Greek Patriot system shot down drones over Saudi Arabia, according to Reuters

The Patriot air defense system, operated by Greek military personnel in Saudi Arabia, intercepted a group of drones on Thursday in the Yanbu area, where major oil refineries are located.

This marks the third time the Greek air defense system has been deployed in combat since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

As Reuters notes, this also demonstrates the growing role of European allies in protecting the energy infrastructure of the Persian Gulf countries.

“The battery engaged the drones in coordination with Saudi air defense systems,” one source reported.

According to the source, the Greek Patriot battery fired three missiles. However, the source did not specify exactly how many drones were destroyed or where they came from.

A second source confirmed the information regarding the use of the air defense system.

Greece deployed a battery of the American Patriot system in Saudi Arabia back in 2021.

The system is operated by Greek military personnel. It was deployed as part of an agreement to assist Saudi Arabia in protecting critical energy infrastructure.

The Yanbu region is of strategic importance to the kingdom due to the large oil industry facilities located there.

Thus, the Greek Patriot battery is directly involved in protecting Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure from air attacks.

If necessary, this news story can also be adapted into a more dynamic SEO headline emphasizing the Patriot system and drone attacks.

Sources within the Greek security forces reported this to Reuters.

As a reminder, Greece is considering the option of returning the Patriot air defense battery from Saudi Arabia. The system has been there for about five years.

Greece wants to strengthen Crete’s air defense with Patriot systems.

Greece plans to purchase a multi-layered air defense system from Israel for €3.5 billion, according to Reuters.