ATHENS — Greece said today it would deploy a Patriot missile defense system and troops to bolster Bulgaria’s defense capabilities against possible aerial attacks.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said a Patriot battery will be moved to northern Greece to cover a large part of Bulgaria, which lies in range of Iranian missiles.
In addition, two Greek F16 fighter jets will also be stationed in northern Greece for additional protection for Bulgaria, while senior Greek air force officers will be sent to Sofia to help with coordination.
“The above actions were taken at the request of Bulgaria, a member state of NATO and the EU, and do not in any way affect the ability to provide anti-ballistic protection for Greek territory,” Dendias said in a statement.
Earlier this week, Greece deployed two frigates and four of F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus following Iranian drone incursions on the Mediterranean island.
Since the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran, Athens also transferred a Patriot battery to the island of Karpathos in the southeastern Aegean Sea as part of the country’s efforts to boost its defense.